ENVIRONMENT Secretary Gina Lopez apologized Monday to a reporter of BusinessWorld for cursing her while doing an ambush interview recently.
Different media groups, such as the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines, National Press Club, and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, have asked Lopez to issue an apology after calling young reporter Janina Lim "just a f---ing employee" when she was asking the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary regarding a mining issue.
"I do acknowledge that in my effort to impart my perspective, I was inordinately judgmental. Everyone has the right to be what they are. I have no right to put them down for whatever. So to Janina and to everyone, this might have hurt...I apologize deeply," Lopez said in a statement.
She noted that Lim has been covering the DENR beat since she assumed office.
"No matter what I say, no matter the situation, the questioning is decidedly technical even if the situation merits some kind of compassion," she said.
"It has to be made clear that my repartee with her (Lim) in no way is a judgement on BusinessWorld or the media or journalists. Or in any line of inquiry," she added.
Lopez, who has been bypassed the Commission on Appointments, said she favors questioning since it is healthy.
"That is how we move forward," she said.
However, Lopez added, "it is when questioning comes from an already closed mind that is counter-productive."
"There are so many journalists and economists with deep intuitive minds, objectivity with integrity, compassion with vision – that kind of standard will bring the country forward," she said.
"I have much sincere affection and respect for economists, journalists and the press...And I urge you to keep the light shining brightly for our country. I continue to hold everyone in high regard." (SDR/SunStar Philippines)