THREE major media organizations in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental have united to condemn Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy, accusing her of endangering a local journalist and insulting the press corps during a Dec. 1 flag-raising ceremony.
The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Chapter, and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) issued aligned statements denouncing Uy’s speech as unfair, sweeping, and potentially dangerous.
The ‘insult’ of financial aid
During her address to provincial employees on Monday, Uy accused media practitioners of being biased against her administration. She further questioned whether journalists could survive on their current incomes and offered personal financial assistance — remarks the media groups labeled as an attempt to undermine their independence.
The COPC asserted that it “firmly stands” behind media workers who report on government irregularities. The group stated that efforts to label critical reporting as propaganda, or to paint journalists as dependent on politicians, “insult the profession” and erase the hard work of newsroom staff.
All three organizations emphasized that public officials are accountable to the people and that refusing to engage with the media undermines transparency.
They pointed out that journalists must not accept money from politicians, as it creates a clear conflict of interest.
Singling out Montes
The groups raised urgent concerns regarding Uy’s decision to name specific reporter Menzie Montes in the middle of her speech regarding bias and payoffs.
“Labi na naa si Menzie diri, salamat ko kay naa ka, happy ko nga nakapaminaw ka,” Uy said during the event.
The COPC warned that this unnecessary public identification exposes Montes to potential harassment.
Montes, for her part, expressed confusion regarding the Governor’s intent.
"I am uncertain as to the meaning of [Uy's] mention of me," Montes said, adding that she will simply continue to do her job as a reporter.
Holding the line
The NUJP noted that while Uy clarified she was not referring to all journalists, her failure to name specific individuals or outlets regarding her grievances “drags the entire community” of ethical reporters. The group reminded the governor that journalists are expected to be “biased for truth” and serve as a voice for marginalized sectors.
Meanwhile, the KBP urged Uy to file specific complaints if she believes misconduct occurred, rather than making “sweeping and unfair accusations.”
The group warned that such rhetoric may have the effect of undermining the media's role. The organizations encouraged local journalists to remain steadfast in upholding their ethical duties despite the criticism.
