NUJP urges journalists to uphold ethical practice
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines called on media professionals to uphold ethical standards amid allegations of "paid" interviews against veteran journalists.
"The [NUJP] reminds colleagues that soliciting and accepting money, gifts and other forms of compensation in exchange for favorable coverage threatens editorial independence," it said in a statement on Aug. 24.
It added that this "erodes trust" in the journalism profession and undermines the media's role as a watchdog.
This comes three days after Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto called out journalists who interviewed contractors entering politics, supposedly in exchange for millions of pesos.
In his viral Aug. 21 post, Sotto shared screenshots of Curlee and Sarah Discaya being interviewed by Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao in their respective programs about their "rags-to-riches" story. The Discayas are linked with companies that have projects with the Department of Public Works and Highways, including Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation, St. Timothy Construction, and St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation. (Sarah also ran against Sotto in the midterm elections but lost by a landslide.)
The NUJP acknowledged that the allegations against Sanchez and Babao have yet to be substantiated.
"We acknowledge, too, that solicitation and undisclosed paid content are common practices in the profession," the organization continued, adding that some media workers are "forced" to seek advertisers and sponsors and accept "PR work" for local politicians, government agencies, or corporations "to get by."
"In most cases, these circumstances do not apply to wealthy media personalities, but unethical practice persists across the industry, from high-profile journalists to struggling reporters and correspondents."
Despite this reality, the NUJP said that this does not excuse violations of the Journalists' Code of Ethics that was adopted in 1988.
"We call on colleagues to revisit and reaffirm ethical guidelines through resources available online, includign the NUJP's Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists," it said.
The group also encouraged news managers to ensure staff and correspondents are compensated fairly.
"Difficult as it is, we cannot take pride in calling ourselves journalists without adhering to the basic standards and guiding principles of the profession," it continued.
Sanchez's team has since denied the allegations of a P10 million interview placement and said that Sotto's post constitutes cyber libel.
For his part, Babao—speaking to entertainment news site PEP.ph—pointed out that his interview was a lifestyle feature and not a news report.
He also denied that there's P10 million "involved" in the interview.
