Senator JV Ejercito on Thursday defended members of the Senate media corps following allegations from Senator Rodante Marcoleta that certain mainstream journalists were receiving bribes.
In a message transmitted to reporters, Ejercito vouched for the professional integrity of the press corps assigned to the upper chamber.
“Sa tagal ko sa Senado ako ay magpapatunay na ang mga reporters at mainstream meadia na [naka-assign] sa Senado ay hindi bayaran,” Ejercito said.
“Nakakalungkot na akusahan na bayaran ang mainstream media,” he added.
Ejercito’s defense followed a joint statement from the Senate media corps condemning Marcoleta’s remarks, which labeled specific journalists as “paid hacks.”
The media group slammed the accusation as an irresponsible and dangerous assault on press freedom and the journalistic institution. They argued that the baseless claim unfairly tarnished the credibility of reporters who carry out their duties amid constant intimidation, criticism, and harassment.
In response, Marcoleta clarified that his comments were not meant to generalize the entire media industry, claiming his statements were taken out of context and denying any blanket accusations against the press.
The friction has reignited debates regarding the media’s vital role in government reporting and the necessity of safeguarding press freedom alongside accountability in public affairs.