Saturday, May 10, 2008 Nalzaro: Identifying ‘Jan-Jan’ By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
IN the United States in the early ‘70s, rape crisis centers lobbied with media outlets for the non-disclosure of names of rape victims. Now, almost all mainstream media organizations have internal policies on the matter.
The argument was that disclosing names of rape victims would discourage other people similarly situated from coming out to seek justice. The policy also protects the victims from unwanted stigma, public scrutiny and ridicule
Withholding the name of a rape victim is within a media outlet’s discretion, unlike in the case of minors where naming is really prohibited by law. Media, legal experts say, is free to print the names of rape victims although media outlets have chosen not to do that.
Rape is different from other crimes. Studies show that rape victims suffer from the stigma brought about by the experience. But if victims want to disclose their names, then that’s another story. The celebrated rape case of beauty queen Maggie de la Riva in the ‘70s was an example. She came out in public to face the stigma of her horrifying experience.
But while media withholds the names of rape victims, their mothers, fathers, brothers and relatives are often identified. An example is the case of Nicole, the Zamboangueña raped by American soldiers in Subic. She was only identified as Nicole but her mother, who took the cudgels for her, was named in media interviews.
There was a debate among members of the local media whether to name or not the homosexual involved in the surgery scandal at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Sun.Star Cebu initially identified him only as “Jan-Jan.” Cebu Daily News calls him “Danilo.” GMA 7 “Balitang Bisdak” refers to him as “George.”
Sun.Star editor-in-chief Pachico Seares noted that “Jan-Jan” should be named because he is neither a rape victim nor a minor. I agree. Besides, he has filed a formal complaint with the ombudsman and is seeking P6 million damages from the medical personnel who made fun of him during the operation to remove a perfume canister from his anus.
How can he claim he was ridiculed because the video footage of his operation was uploaded on YouTube and demand damages if he remains nameless and faceless? His affidavits are now public documents.
It is also unfair to keep “Jan-Jan's” identity a secret while his alleged tormentors have been named and have been subjected to harsh media commentaries. A previous Sun.Star report and lawyer Frank Malilong’s column yesterday already revealed “Jan-Jan’s” identity: Genaro Jorolan. I don't think Sun.Star and Attorney Malilong violated journalism ethics by doing so.
I was the first to identify Fr. Ben Ejares after he was accused by female students of committing lascivious acts during a religious activity at the Abellana National School grounds months ago. When I did it, reactions were mixed.
Some people, especially Church leaders, chided me saying it was premature because no case had been filed against the priest yet. Others congratulated me for my courage. Now I am willing to face criticisms, although I am sure I will not go to jail, by also identifying “Jan-Jan.”
