A union of journalists joined the call of organizations and workers in urging 2022 election candidates to participate in debates and forums.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), a member of the Freedom for Media and Freedom for All (FMFA) coalition, on Tuesday, Feb. 8, announced that they have joined media organizations and media workers in calling on candidates to appear in forums and debates organized by media.
“FMFA, a coalition of press freedom advocates, calls on aspirants to elective positions to help the public make informed decisions when they vote on May 9, 2022, by appearing at forums and debates organized by the media,” it said in an official statement.
The organization likewise reiterated that as partners of Philippine democracy, the media “does not organize events to demolish one candidate or highlight another.” Instead, these events aim to “help give a broader audience access to aspirants’ plans and platforms.”
“While FMFA recognizes that candidates have the right to refuse to appear in forums and interviews, such refusal is a disservice to voters who want fuller discussions on how candidates plan to address issues and crises like the pandemic, the West Philippine Sea dispute, and the economy,” it added.