Palace press pushes back vs PCO

OFFICERS of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) have pushed back against what they see as an effort by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to limit newsrooms’ autonomy in assigning Palace reporters and the introduction of vague standards like “false reporting” that could be used to arbitrarily expel journalists at the expense of press freedom.

In a statement, the Palace’s reporters’ organization said the PCO’s five-year minimum requirement of existence for media entities and government coverage for reporters will affect the status of fledgling newsrooms and the deployment of young staffers.

MPC also cited that the PCO must clarify vague terms such as “false reporting,” which it can use to revoke a journalist’s accreditation to cover the Palace.

“The two sides agreed to work together to achieve a middle ground that will ensure the efficiency and integrity of the accreditation process while preserving the autonomy of the Palace reporters,” it added, noting the MPC officers met on Monday with PCO Secretary Jaybee C. Ruiz, a former television broadcaster.

The PCO requested the MPC to submit a position paper outlining their recommendations, with a deadline set for Friday, May 2.

In the meantime, the PCO deferred the planned submission period for accreditation requirements, originally scheduled for April 29 to May 2.

“The MPC will continue to vigorously promote the interests of its members, contribute to the strengthening of self-regulation among media groups, and stand by efforts promoting independent, critical, and ethical reporting,” MPC said. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana