ILOILO – Following the circulation of a video clip featuring a heated exchange between a vlogger and a barangay tanod, media groups in the city and province of Iloilo issued statements urging adherence to ethical reporting standards.
The incident involved Wilfredo “Pidong” Talaron during the coverage of a shooting incident on May 9 in Barangay Mat-y, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
The Iloilo Provincial Capitol Press Corps (IPCPC) highlighted the need for media practitioners to uphold the integrity of their profession.
“As journalists, we are expected to imbibe the Journalist’s Code of Ethics as we take seriously our roles as members of the Fourth Estate,” said Fraye Cedrick Anona of Aksyon Radyo Iloilo, representing the IPCPC.
It added: “While we do not discriminate regardless of the medium, we enjoin that members of the media community be with us in ensuring that we keep ourselves guarded at all times, including our demeanors in the exercise of our profession.”
How Talaron addressed the tanod trivialized the role of village watchmen who are at the forefront of ensuring peace and safety in villages, according to IPCPC.
In a video recording, Talaron was heard saying, “Ang tanod nga puwerte ni ka bastos hu, ngaa nga daw kabastos sa imo haw? Live kita subong kun ga-approach gani sa media nung kay-uhon mo kay tanod ka lang di. Live kita di subong matyag ko daw mayor ka di,” and then shouting, “Ano ka di mayor ka di?”
The IPCPC expressed hope that such incidents would not recur.
“We journalists/media practitioners must bind ourselves to adhere to the highest standards of ethical reporting and uphold the integrity of our profession with the hope of avoiding a repeat of the May 9 incident,” it stressed.
Similarly, the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps (ICHPC), led by Joel Franco of DYRI RMN Iloilo, stressed the crucial role of journalists in delivering truthful information and giving a voice to the voiceless.
“Let not the overarching roles derail us from our real purpose, lest we forget that along with our responsibilities as members of the Fourth Estate, we are still duty-bound to follow ethical standards expected of us journalists,” it said.
ICHPC added: “Journalists and media practitioners adhere to the Code and Ethics, and agree to be truthful, independent, fair and honorable both in their reporting and in their professional conduct during the pursuit of a story.”
Addressing Talaron’s behavior toward the tanod, ICHPC stated: “How he acted was uncalled for, any concern regarding unwanted response by a critical source may be threshed out in a proper forum while maintaining credibility and trust with the audience.”
ICHPC cited Section 11 of the Philippine Journalists Code of Ethics: “I shall comport myself in public or while performing my duties as a journalist in such manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be my watchword.”
Meanwhile, Iloilo Media-Citizen Council stated: “While we do not discriminate against anyone or any institution that want to work and be identified as media under the ambit of press freedom, such liberality is founded on ethical practices and professional conduct.”
According to the council, unlike other professions, journalism and media are more attuned to self-regulation as a press controlled by outside forces like government can never be free.
While it recognized that in the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, vloggers and media workers face unique challenges, particularly in stressful situations, “It is essential for these professionals to maintain a demeanor that is calm and collected, avoiding actions that could spark conflict or friction.”
It added: “Professionalism in the face of adversity not only upholds personal integrity but also reinforces the credibility of the media entity they represent. This approach is vital in fostering trust and reliability among audiences, ensuring that the content delivered is both responsible and respectful.”
The Council warned that the vlogger’s conduct has implications to other news organizations and the Iloilo media community.
“A true media worker is focused on news gathering and reporting, not on tangling with sources and becoming the news when such situation could have been evaded sans fanfare and controversy,” it stressed./PN