The Daily Tribune on September 29 wrote a headline article "Hysterical Leila Flies Off The Handle," where Senator Leila de Lima had a press conference.
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| The Daily Tribune |
This comes after the intensifying offense against her by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, plus the motion to release an intimate video of her and Ronnie Dayan, where the affirmative argues that it will strengthen evidences against her as involved in the illegal drug trade.
The problem arises when the Daily Tribune used certain adjectives, as if implying that they intend to humour the current situation of the senator.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics states that:
Seek Truth and Report It
- Diligently seek subjects of news coverage to allow them to respond to criticisms or allegations of wrongdoing.
- Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
- Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting.
- Label advocacy and commentary.
Minimize Harm
- Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment.
- Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.
- Balance a suspect's right to a fair trial with the public's right to know. Consider the implications of identifying criminal suspects before they face legal charges.
- Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate.
- Balance the public's need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.
It disrespects the public official without taking into consideration her right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. This behavior of several publications in the Philippines has become a case study for trial by publicity.
This clumsy handling of the news will only shape the way the future generation may perceive the law to be. Using a scandalous video to threaten the accused into doing what you want, and as an evidence, is not reasonable for misogynistic behavior and never should it be used to promulgate a higher sense of masculine dominance over women.
©The Pink Merman
Pacific-Atlantis Mermen Journal
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