Reporters slam Marcoleta's 'bayaran' remark

MANILA, Philippines — Journalists assigned to cover the Senate condemned Sen. Rodante Marcoleta's remark calling the media "paid hacks" during his own Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

In a statement on Thursday, June 4, Senate media reporters called Marcoleta's remark "irresponsible" and a "reckless attack on an institution widely acknowledged as essential to any functioning democracy."

"Marcoleta's statement unfairly maligned media workers who risk intimidation, harassment and even their lives to inform the public and hold the powerful accountable," the Senate media statement read.

"At a time when disinformation and political polarization continue to undermine public discourse, government officials should exercise greater restraint and responsibility in their pronouncements," it added.

Marcoleta made the remarks during Thursday's so-called hearing, where the resource speakers were 18 Marines who claimed they acted as bagmen for lawmakers.

Media: Not a weapon

Senate media reporters also said Marcoleta's remarks could erode public trust in legitimate journalism and "contribute to a climate of hostility against media practitioners simply doing their jobs."

They reminded public officials that journalists' role is not to serve politicians or those in power.

"The Fourth Estate exists to serve the public interest. Its duty is to pursue facts, verify information, question those in power and report developments without fear or favor," the Senate media said.

"Journalists should never be dragged into the rivalries, feuds, or power struggles of political figures. The media is not a weapon to be wielded by one camp against another, nor should it be treated as collateral damage in political warfare," it added.

**Marcoleta cites personal frustration**

Asked about his remark after the hearing, Marcoleta asked for the line to be replayed, claiming he did not say such things.

"I'm coming from a deep frustration," Marcoleta said.

He then aired his frustration over the coverage of The Philippine STAR and the Philippine Daily Inquirer of the Iglesia ni Cristo's rally for peace.

Marcoleta said he was frustrated that the broadsheets did not mention his name despite his being a speaker at the event.

"All their names nandoon po sa report, including their middle names," Marcoleta said.

(All their names were in the report, including their middle names.)

Tulfo hearing to proceed

In a phone patch interview, Sen. Erwin Tulfo told reporters that the Senate will still proceed with the hearings under his chairship on Monday.

Tulfo was assigned to lead the blue ribbon panel during Wednesday's leadership shakeup, which also installed Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as new Senate president pro-tempore.

Tulfo said invitations to resource persons have already been sent for the public inquiry.

Palace task force calls remark unfounded

In a separate statement, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security called Marcoleta's remarks "unfounded" and said they pose a "significant threat to the security and safety of journalists."

"These sweeping statements threaten media credibility and expose them to potential harm. Journalists have a duty to report accurately and impartially, and it is critical that public officials respect their role as watchdogs of accountability and truth," the PTFOMS statement read.

The PTFOMS called on Marcoleta to back his claims with evidence or withdraw his statements and apologize.

"Casting vague aspersions against the media doesn't foster constructive dialogue. It threatens the very foundations of democratic processes by attempting to sway public opinion against those tasked with holding those in power to account," the PTFOMS statement read.

Disputed hearing

The hearing proceeded despite Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian's order that the Blue Ribbon Committee sessions be held on June 8 under the chairmanship of Tulfo.

The Alan Peter Cayetano-led bloc of 11 senators, however, insisted there had been no legal change in the Senate panel's chairmanship and that Sen. Pia Cayetano remains its chair.

The hearing proceeded without the Senate secretary present and without stenographers, suggesting that it is not recognized as an official Senate activity.

Marcoleta, a member of the Cayetano bloc, presided over the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing not recognized by the Gatchalian bloc.

Under normal circumstances, the Senate livestreams committee hearings through its social media accounts. In this case, only media networks livestreamed the proceedings.