Mass Media Law Violations in Philippines

1. RSF urges on Philippine prosecutors to drop any charges against journalists under a new
legislation that allegedly combats "false information" concerning the coronavirus outbreak but
violates press freedom.
Two journalists from Cavite, a region south of Manila, face two months in jail and a punishment
of 1 million pesos (17,500 euros) as a consequence of charges under the new legislation
presented by police on 28 March. They are accused of distributing "false information on the
Covid-19 issue" under section 6(6) of the "Bayanihan to Heal As One Act," which President
Duterte signed on 25 March, the day after legislature adopted it to combat the COVID-19
epidemic. It gives the irascible president exceptional powers for three months, but the pro-
Duterte legislature may prolong it. Community activity is "bayanihan."
RSF's Asia-Pacific bureau chief Daniel Bastard urged Philippine prosecutors to drop all cases
against journalists under Article 6(6) and called for its urgent repeal.
"The provision is designed to criminalize 'false information,' but this notion doesn't exist in
Philippine law, therefore it threatens free speech. During the coronavirus epidemic, when
information is critical, authorities must allow journalists do their business. Bulatlat, a non-profit
alternative media organization that covers low-income sectors, was refused authorization to
report on quarantine zones in Luzon, the Philippines' biggest and most populated island.
This is a great case study for media ethics. The journalists in question clearly violated their
professional ethical standards and the law, but they also felt compelled to report on a story that
was of public interest and had a significant impact on society. They did not have any malice or
ill will toward their subjects, but they did not follow proper journalistic practices.
I think that it is important for journalists to be held accountable for mistakes and violations of
journalistic ethics. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a journalist
and can cause some people to make poor decisions without realizing their actions may lead to
legal consequences.
As with any profession, there are certain rules and guidelines that must be followed or risk
professional suicide if you want to stay employed. However, it's also important for journalists to
use their platform responsibly so as not to diminish the credibility of their work or cause harm
beyond what was intended by reporting inaccurate information.

2. On Tuesday, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III continued to reject claims of plagiarism,
over six years after he was accused of copying from the late US Senator Robert Kennedy for a
speech. Sotto III was responding to allegations that he plagiarized Kennedy's remarks for a
speech. In a recent interview with Rappler, Sotto repeated his accusation that activists for
reproductive health were to responsible for the criticism he got at the time. "The problem of
plagiarism was a technique of individuals, in particular persons linked with International Planned
Parenthood [Federation]," she said. Since that point in time up to the present day, there is nothing
in the journal of the Senate that could be considered to be an instance of plagiarism," he said. He
said that whenever he gave a lecture, he would always state that he was "not a scientist, nor a
doctor." "They refuse to listen to that and simply say that I got it from a book, from this, or
maybe an inspiring message that was utilized by Senator [Robert F.] Kennedy," she said. "They
refuse to listen to it because..." They accuse me of plagiarizing the work. "Of course not,"
answered Sotto with a laugh.
Respect for the work of others is an important value to uphold in our society. Plagiarism – or the
use of creative work of others without proper attribution and citation – not only harms the
integrity of our academic communities, it shames them. It also negatively impacts students who
must rely on the honesty of their instructors. We take this matter seriously and expect Tito Sotto
to make a full public apology and express remorse.

3. Doris Bigornia violated the Philippine Journalist's Code of Ethics: "I will not meticulously report
and interpret the news, taking care not to hide key information or distort the truth by omission or
undue emphasis." I'm obligated to broadcast opposing views and address substantial
inaccuracies." And by disclosing sensitive information, she breached the code of ethics: "I will
not violate confidential information on material supplied to me in the practice of my vocation."
No More "Mutya ng Masa" Macale, Hector Bryant She was the "Mutya ng Masa" for millions of
TV viewers, covering street-level news. Doris Bigornia transcended preconceptions in a
stereotypical medium. She was one of the few reporters whose face and identity were well linked
with her station. Bigornia's firing from ABS-CBN shocked few. Bigornia leaked a confidential
memo, according to reports. Before that, she caused another network fight with competitor
GMA-7. Some spectators and journalists asked, "What's the problem?" Journalists rely on leaks
from news sources. What's wrong about switching roles? The network battle is dull. The tiny
uproar caused by the ABS-CBN reporter's firing may have subsided. Bigornia filed a case
against the network on May 8 before the NLRC for terminating her
I'm in agreement with the position that the code of ethics of mutya ng masa is violated. The
reason why is because it was not mentioned that this particular video was sponsored by a
company or any other entity that has a vested interest in the subject matter. In addition, the
content of the video is offensive and exposes the group to ridicule and embarrassment.
This is not only against their own code of ethics but also against Republic Act No. 9165 (or
COA), which prohibits acts prejudicial to public morals and decency.