BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Iloilo Media-Citizen Council (IMCC) condemned what it called a “harsh and unbecoming” statement made by a vlogger from this city against a local radio reporter.
In a statement, the council said calling the reporter “stupid,” “ugly,” and, “inept” including “making inappropriate allusions to her private parts, are not only unprofessional but also constitute a form of harassment.”
“Resorting to gaslighting and personal attacks will not resolve the issue and will only lead to further acrimony and potential threats against the reporter. Moreover, the vlogger’s actions may also result in legal consequences for herself,” the council said in a statement.
The vlogger, known as Madam Bugris, lashed out at Jill Caceres, a reporter of XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo, for the way she covered a man nabbed by the citizens for alleged stealing. Bystanders forcibly placed a placard around the man’s neck indicating he is a thief.
In the statement, the media council stressed the vlogger, who is reportedly now based abroad, should address her concern about the reporter’s way of coverage of a man wearing a placard indicating he is a robber, directly to the reporter’s station manager or the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, which has regulatory authority over radio stations.
“It is important to note that the vlogger’s behavior appears to be hypocritical, as she is guilty of the same offenses she has accused the XFM reporter of committing,” the council said.
It added: “We urge all media professionals to maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism in their work, refraining from engaging in personal attacks or harassment.”
Likewise, the media council also appealed to all media workers to exercise caution and thoughtfulness in their coverage, particularly in situations where the subject may be exposed to ridicule or harassment, even if they have not yet been proven guilty in a court of law.
“It is our duty as media professionals to uphold the principles of fairness, accuracy, and respect for human dignity in our reporting,” the council said.
The Iloilo media council said it stands in solidarity with the XFM Radyo Patrol Iloilo reporter and all media workers who face harassment and personal attacks in the course of their work.
“We call on the media community and the public to engage in respectful dialogue and to work together to maintain the highest standards of journalism,” the council added./PN
