01/09/2025
๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ฉ๐๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐ค๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐ช๐๐ค ๐๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ง ๐ฝ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ค๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ง๐ช๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter, is one in the crusade for truth, justice, and transparency.
We acknowledge the statements made by Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong on his exposรฉs on government projects.
We also note the serious allegations of regular payments to media personalities which he likewise questioned but seemingly condoned during his stint as Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, has further cast a shadow of suspicion over the integrity of the press and media professionals.
We believe that true transparency requires a deeper look at the very systems that enable corruption to flourish. We are a profession of watchdogs, dedicated to fact-based, document-centered investigations that leave no stone unturned in the quest for accountability.
At a time when credibility is questioned, we call on our colleagues to hold onto the standards set forth by the Journalistโs Code of Ethics and practice the highest level of professionalism.
Our credibility is our most valuable asset, and it is put under pressure time and again when journalists must balance editorial integrity coupled with the responsibility to contribute to the flourishing of business models.
We acknowledge that some colleagues have blurred the lines between journalism and unethical solicitations, and the dangerous double standard of PR work for politicians and personalities. Such practices are rampant in the media industry, as graft and corruption are prevalent in government.
However, to propagate corruption is to enable a systemic illness. The fight to rid systems in the government and the media industry cannot be done alone, but with a community of watchdogs.
We call for an immediate end to unethical practice within our ranks and enjoin those who reinforce corruption by coddling media practitioners who have made it a way of life.
We pose a challenge to raise the bar for a public discussion on the role of media in the community, as we stay true to the NUJP's commitment to a safer, better, and more ethical practice of journalism, not only for the Baguio and Benguet communities but for the entire country. #
