Media killings under Arroyo’s watch ‘coincidence’ (2:31 p.m.)

MANILA -- Malacanang on Monday defended President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against those condemning her for the killings of significant number of media practitioners under her administration.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar said blame should not be put solely on the President as most violence was deeply rooted in the local culture.

“I think nagkakataon lang remember nasa gitna pa tayo ng election. Violence sa journalist year-round yan. Walang sinasantong tiyempo,” he said.

He maintained that the government has been providing “adequate protection” to the lives of journalist.

“Ito naman po ay nangyayayri bunga for the most part of local political violence, local culture and history of violence, and the local level at the grassroots level,” he noted.

Several human rights groups and journalists were holding Arroyo accountable for the deaths of media practitioners under her reign. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)