Journalists urged to exercise prudence, fastidious judgment in evaluating ‘narco-list’
MANILA, Philippines — Media organizations warned that the publication of the supposed narco-list ahead of the May midterm elections would have serious consequences as they urged journalists to exercise “utter prudence and fastidious judgment” in evaluating the “story.”
In a statement, the press groups stressed that the naming and shaming of those included on the list of local politicians allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade may result in invasion of privacy as well as denial of due process and presumption of innocence.
“Once published or broadcast, the travesty will be magnified as a collective disregard for the rule of law and clear breach of the time-honored traditions of fair, accurate and independent journalism, by the news media,” the groups said.
The drug list, reportedly composed of 82 names, is expected to be released next week.
The press groups, moreover, raised the possibility of filing lawsuits against media agencies with the release of the drug list.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that those on the list could sue for libel if it could be proven that they have been falsely accused.
“But that also means that the aggrieved parties would have to file suit against news media agencies that would publish or broadcast the names on the unverified list. The likely respondents, though, will not include the president because he enjoys immunity from suit while in office,” they said.
‘Verify, verify, verify’
They called on media practitioners to verify independently before running a list that tags and links people to the illegal drugs trade.
“Taking their word at face value, reporting their claims uncritically, rushing to print or broadcast just a list that tags people without proof, are not without serious consequences. All these could put the life and liberty of persons in serious peril; all these could put the ethics and credibility of the journalism profession in serious doubt,” the media organizations said.
They instead called on the government to build cases and file charges against those on the list if it indeed had evidence on hand.
“It is from the courts—by due process, by evidence, by fair trial—that the people must know who are guilty and who are innocent. It is not the Duterte administration that, by press release alone, must name and shame possibly both the guilty and the innocent via an unverified ‘narco-list,’” the group said.
They added: “We, journalists and media organizations can, at the very least, refuse to play along when the government and those who are supposed to lead the nation play fast and loose with due process and the rule of law.”
The signatories of the statement include the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Philippine Press Freedom, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, Mindanews, Center for Community Journalism and Development and Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network.
Mudslinging, violence
The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday stressed that the list of local executives linked to the illegal drugs trade would constitute a denial of a person’s right to due process.
“The timing of the publication, set by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año at the start of the local campaign period for the May 13 elections, will only fuel reckless mudslinging, character assassinations and violence,” De Guia said.
She said: “If we can withhold judgment against some candidates still facing plunder cases before the Sandiganbayan, Secretary Año can also respect and follow due process.”
The CHR instead urged the government to improve the evidence gathering capability of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
It also called on the government to undertake more effective legal measures in identifying and prosecuting drug lords, their foreign partners, backers in the PNP, the Bureau of Customs, the New Bilibid Prison and those who are local executives, corrupt officials of executive departments and their protectors in the judiciary. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
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