Recall should have been based on respect for press freedom
Finally, last Tuesday, August 12, the Zamboanga City Council recalled its resolution declaring GMANews.tv and Mindanao Examiner reporter Al Jacinto as “persona non grata”.
Yet, upon verification with Zamboanga City Vice-mayor Mannix Dalipe, the recall was “grounded over Jacinto’s personal apology to Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and a formal letter of apology to the Zamboanga City Council.”
While we welcome the lifting of the said resolution which has caused much suffering to Jacinto and his family, we are also saddened that the recall is anchored on Jacinto’s apologies to the City Mayor and the Council and not on the full recognition of and respect for the freedom of the press.
We hold steadfast to our earlier statement that the Council’s move was uncalled for and constituted a form of harassment, in the first place.The council, with all its power and resources, could have checked first with the newsman or his news outfit before issuing such arbitrary and unwarranted action.
Contrary to the council’s belief, Jacinto’s articles posted over the opposition to the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) by several groups in Zamboanga did not bring shame to the city. He was simply performing his duties as demanded by his profession and news organization.
The move was an affront to press freedom and violated the right of the people to information on matters of public concern. All developments pertaining to the peace negotiations are definitely matters of grave public concern.
As such, we remind our public officials that Jacinto and all journalists and media practitioners in Zamboanga City deserve utmost respect. It is government’s duty to guarantee that the freedom of the press must not be subjected to the whims and caprices of people, especially government officials finding certain news reports unfavorable.
In cases of error in reportage, the journalists should be left to the discretion and discipline of the news outfits where they belong.
Journalists should not be subjected to any form of intimidation and harassment, especially coming from public officials. #
For Reference:
Julie S. Alipala
National Union of Journalist of the Philippines
Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi Chapter
Posted by Charlie Saceda 
