THE Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Cagayan de Oro–Misamis Oriental Chapter challenged Misamis Oriental Gov. Juliet T. Uy to “name names” on Tuesday, Dec. 2, following remarks she made against the media during a flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol.
In a strong statement, the KBP denounced the governor’s comments made on Monday, Dec. 1, as “unfair and malicious,” rejecting accusations that cast doubt on the credibility of local journalists.
The broadcaster’s group emphasized that while it recognizes the right of public officials to fair comment and criticism, it draws the line at unfounded attacks intended to discredit the press.
“We don’t discount that possibility [that legitimate issues exist],” the KBP statement read. “However, for the sake of fairness, we challenge her to name names. Otherwise, she is dragging the whole industry.”
The group suggested the governor’s remarks might be a “sinister move” to undermine the media’s role, noting that scrutiny is vital when public officials face corruption allegations.
‘Insult’ to the profession
The KBP also took exception to Gov. Uy’s alleged comments regarding the financial status of media workers, including an offer to provide personal money to journalists. The group described the gesture not as help, but as a humiliation and a “clear manifestation of insult,” implying that journalists compromise their ethics due to low income.
“KBP is guided by tenets of professionalism and a code of ethics, which includes: respect for facts, impartiality and fairness, and independence,” the statement said.
The group vowed to continue holding power to account, regardless of the friction with the provincial leadership.
“We encourage dissenting remarks, but KBP remains steadfast in our mission to divulge the truth, regardless of the criticism ahead of us,” the statement concluded. “We will not buckle down.”
