The Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) questioned the Presidential Communications Office’s (PCO) request to replace one of its beat reporters over the alleged breach of protocols.
In a statement on Friday, July 4, the MPC, through its officers, said that they have written a letter to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to “express its grave concern” over the latter’s request to replace NET25 reporter and MPC member, Eden Santos, with another reporter to cover the President and other government agencies inside Malacañang.
“The officers questioned the supposed protocol breach used as basis in requesting for a member’s replacement and firmly opposed such a course of action. The "request" was a clear overreach of the PCO's authority,” its statement read.
“While the officers recognize the need to ensure the President’s safety and well-being, it should never be at the expense of the freedom of the press to tell stories that go beyond photo opportunities, press releases and rehearsed sound bites,” it added.
The officers are hoping to resolve the issue in a “manner that strikes a healthy balance” between ensuring the President’s safety and upholding press freedom.
Despite the evident differences with how the media and the government perform their roles, the Malacañang Press Corps highlighted that decisions should still be guided by rationality.
“Prudence should always be our watchword,” its statement concluded.
Last month, PCO Assistant Secretary for Media Affairs and Relations, Erelson Cabatbat, wrote a letter addressed to NET25’s News Chief, narrating the “breach of protocol” committed by Santos, one of their reporters and a member of the Malacañang Press Corps.
The PCO stated that on June 25, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the destruction of billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs at the Clean Leaf International Corporation facility in Capas, Tarlac.
During the said event, the PCO claimed that Santos had violated Media Advisory MA-25-109. Moreover, they said the reporter approached the President twice, despite the assigned places for reporters and cameramen in the venue.
Their policies indicate that when covering the President, a certain distance should be observed at all times. The PCO also noted that it was not the first time that Santos had violated the rule.
Although they recognize the importance of getting a story from the President, the PCO pointed out a need for reporters to observe and respect the rules to ensure the former’s safety and well-being.
“It is in this light that we respectfully request that a new reporter be assigned to cover the President and other government agencies inside Malacañang,” the letter read. “Other reporters who were seen and recorded breaching the protocol last Tuesday will also be admonished.”
