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Monday, September 11, 2006
Baguio correspondents’ club holds first paralegal seminar
THE Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC), instead of thinking ways of arming members of the local media to protect them, has found an alternative for members of the Fourth Estate to be always at guard when reporting sensitive issues that may someday cause their safety.
"The BCBC paralegal seminar on libel and judicial reporting is aimed at safeguarding the profession and help educate practitioners on what to report and how we should report the news," said BCBC President Maria Elena Catajan.
Lawyer Pablito Sanidad explained the two characteristics which have made libel a convenient means of harassing and silencing critics, especially journalists, in the Philippines.
"The first is its being a criminal offense. The second is the practical absence of any ceiling on the damages that can be claimed against alleged offenders," he stressed.
Accordingly, Philippine libel law makes it a crime to impute any crime, vice or defect, "or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead."
"But the libel law can also harass, intimidate and silence journalists. It is in fact a weapon frequently used to stifle criticism or unfavorable reporting in repressive regimes," Sanidad said during the seminar attended by Baguio, Benguet and Cordillera tri-media practitioners.
Accordingly, these insult laws are modern-day attempts to punish lése majesté, or the idea that criticizing or otherwise implying that the reigning king, queen or emperor is less than perfect.
Sanidad explained that libel suits are premised on publication. The equivalent offense, slander, is premised on oral dissemination.
Lawyer Rene Cortes, meanwhile, discussed judicial processes and a glossary of terms on the judiciary, with updates on political killings which capped the one-day activity of the BCBC.
"With 33 participants who were very eager to understand libel and the legal process, it shows the effort and the willingness of the Baguio media to re-learn for the betterment of their craft," Catajan said.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in an earlier report, has expressed concern over the increasing number of libel suits that have been filed and are likely to be filed against journalists.
An organization representing over half a million journalists worldwide, IFJ did say it was "heartened" by the passage of a bill in the House of Representatives (HB 77) which would compel libel complainants to file complaints only at the regional trial court of the province or city where a publication or broadcast station holds office. Right now, a libel complainant can file the complaint anywhere he has an office. This makes it difficult for journalists, having to travel to places far from their places of work.
(September 11, 2006 issue)
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