CCPC: Journalists can decide to accept aid from city government

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC) said journalists and corresponding news organizations have the discretion to accept the financial assistance given by the Cebu City government.

In a position paper, CCPC Executive Director Pachico Seares said financial aid from the government, local or national, has been granted and accepted by media.

“Acceptance by the individual beneficiary, however, depends solely on the recipient and his news organization. Internal rules of each newsroom apply,” he said.

City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, Jr. proposed ordinance granting financial assistance to media representatives who suffered injuries or are killed during his/her coverage of anti-crime operations within the city.

Under the proposal, the city will give P5,000 to media personnel who suffered less serious injuries, P10,000 for those who sustained serious injuries, and P15,000 for those killed while covering anti-crime operations.

Seares cited the concerns of CCPC that were not clearly expressed in the proposed measure.

These concerns are: if the grant requires the recipient to assist law enforcers during the anti-crime operation, thus exposing the journalist to greater risk; if it requires the journalist to testify in court or otherwise help prosecute the respondents arrested during the police operation; assistance from the reporter should be no larger than what existing laws compel of all citizens; and if it requires the journalist to suppress information adverse or unflattering to the law enforcers, or slant or distort the news in their favor.

During the public hearing yesterday, Banat News Associate Editor Rene Borromeo said that journalists are exposed to risks, especially during police operations, because they might be hit by stray bullets.

Borromeo said he is hoping that the measure would not only cover the anti-crime operations but also other legitimate coverages.

Sought for comment, Defense and Police Press Corps President Arnold Bustamente said he is supporting the measure as the grant would greatly help reporters who are covering police operations.

"I've been covering the police beat for 17 years now, and so far, none of my colleagues and I have sustained injuries during our coverages. There were also no fatalities. But having said that, I believe that the assistance will be helpful since we are putting our lives on the line for public service," he told reporters.

The proposed measure will go through final deliberation in the coming weeks.

Gabuya said he will look into the concerns raised by the stakeholders. (FREEMAN)