Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Gov't agency director whines v. 'kotong media'
THE regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) sought the help of legitimate local media practitioners to put a stop to the nefarious activities of some claiming-to-be journalists who regularly ask money from their office.
In Monday's Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM City Davao, DPWH Regional Director Dimas Soguilon admitted that many "kotong" media had been frequenting their office pretending to do an interview with them.
"But afterwards, they will be asking money. But then their story will not be published," Soguilon said.
Soguilon, however, failed to explain why they give money in exchange of stories.
He suggested for all media outlets to assign a specific reporter to cover the DPWH so they could avoid kotong media from entering their office.
At the same time, Soguilon appealed to the media to help the DPWH explain to the public the nuances of their duties in implementing what is legal and within the bounds of law.
He cited a case of their project in Maa where the DPWH was accused of not taking into consideration the welfare of the squatters in the area affected by their project.
"We hope the media and the public won't blame us since we are only implementing what is stated in the law. The media should instead understand that squatters in the area are the ones who violated the law and not us. We are just implementing the law," Soguilon said. (BOT)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (October 10, 2006 issue)
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