CEBU CITY–A Cebu-based
organization composed of both media and non-media members was shocked by the
statement of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte that corrupt journalists deserved
to be killed.
In a statement posted on
its website on Thursday, the Cebu Citizens-Press Council said that while the
statement was expected from a political leader who won on a platform of killing
criminals and crime suspects, Duterte’s statement about killing corrupt journalists
still shocked the members.
“Because it demolishes
any hope the incoming president will abandon the gospel of death he preached in
his campaign and adhere to the rule of law when he assumes office,” explained
Pachico Seares, executive director of CCPC.
He said most journalists recognize corruption as a major ill plaguing the media industry.
“But for the
President-elect to encourage murder as solution assaults the oath he took as a
lawyer, as mayor, and soon as president of the country. And that oath is to
uphold the law,” he added.
The CCPC is a Securities
and Exchange Commission-registered non-government organization that helps to
protect press freedom, enhance the sense of accountability of journalists, and
shape public opinion on media issues.
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