THE Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. (COPCI) on Thursday, Oct. 9 blasted accusations by online publisher Andres Rivera of Cagayan de Oro News Updates claiming that local reporters and vloggers were bribed by 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan or his staff to promote a flood control project.
In a strongly worded statement, the country’s oldest media organization called Rivera’s allegations “baseless, malicious, and irresponsible,” warning that such unfounded claims erode public trust in legitimate journalism.
“These statements, made without evidence or due process, undermine public trust in the media and unfairly tarnish the reputation of hardworking journalists who remain committed to truth, fairness, and accountability,” Cong B. Corrales, COPC vice president for print, said.
Rivera, sharing a post by Birada Kagay-an, alleged on social media that members of the local press were “fed at Ultrawinds Resort and paid P5,000 to P10,000” to cover Suan’s flood control project — an event he dismissed as a “PR stunt.”
The club said the post was unverified and defamatory, accusing Rivera of exploiting social media “to peddle falsehoods.”
“This is a reckless misuse of social media platforms and a clear form of character assassination,” the COPC statement reads in part.
The organization also condemned Rivera’s public naming of former board director Menzie Montes in a follow-up post, calling it an act of personal vilification without proof.
“Singling out individuals without substantiated proof crosses the line from criticism to defamation,” the statement reads.
The COPCI urged Rivera and his Facebook-based outlet to “exercise journalistic responsibility” and “verify claims before publication.”
“We call on the public to discern credible reporting from irresponsible commentary and to support legitimate, fact-based journalism,” the group said.
The press club said it is considering legal and professional action to protect its members and uphold the integrity of the local media community.
“The Cagayan de Oro Press Club stands firmly for ethical journalism, transparency, and accountability — values that guide our members and the profession at large,” said Corrales.
