NUJP to PHISGOC: Don't bash the media for SEA Games disaster

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) took exception on Wednesday to the statement of an official of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) about the media's alleged "negative" coverage of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

"It is bad enough when trolls are let loose upon media reporting on the disastrous preparations of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) for the 30th SEA Games," NUJP said in a statement, in reaction to the remarks of PHISGOC chief operating officer Ramon Suzara in a news conference.

"It becomes ridiculously unacceptable when the officials responsible for the disaster resort to bashing media as well, as if the reports on their shortcomings were to blame for the disaster," it added.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

Suzara on Wednesday called out the media for negative coverage of the SEA Games. He also asked the media to give "a positive note" on news about the games.

However, NUJP shot the suggestion down, saying that attempts to "dictate how the media should report the news has no place in democracy."

"The NUJP wishes to remind Mr. Suzara that the duty of the press has always been to report things as they are, based on verifiable facts, and not to pander to anyone's perception of what is, or should be," the organization said.

According to NUJP, covering up the lapses in the hosting of the SEA Games will "do nothing to hide the gargantuan mess" as it had already been covered by international media.

NUJP added that "shining the light of truth" on the condition of the SEA Games preparation will ensure that the Philippines will "be spared from being so humiliated in the future." —LDF, GMA News