ILOILO CITY – A group of journalists and officials have raised concerns over press freedom after libel cases were filed by Department of Education (DepEd)-6 (Western Visayas) Regional Director Ramir Uytico against four radio anchors of DYRI-RMN Iloilo.
UYTICO
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)-Iloilo chapter condemned the apparent harassment and direct attack against Henry Lumawag, Israel Vincent "Don" Dolido, Novie Guazo, and Regan Arlos.
"The subject of commentaries, including Uytico's performance as agency head, are legitimate issues of public significance and therefore subject to reportage and opinion,” NUJP-Iloilo said.
Uytico filed four separate complaints before the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office on January 23.
He claimed that commentaries made by Lumawag, Dolido, Guazo, and Arlos “maligned, demeaned, and damaged (his) person, character, and honor” when they used Hiligaynon words such as “agi” (gay) and “gwapa-gwapa” (beautiful or pretty).
These words were used in commentaries aired in 2023 when DYRI-RMN Iloilo radio anchors were discussing issues, including a controversy surrounding a school principal, costly official trips of DepEd-6 officials to Boracay Island, and other matters concerning the public education system in Western Visayas.
“As a government official, Uytico has a responsibility to be open to criticism to confront the problems and questions that arise,” NUJP-Iloilo said.
Mayor Jerry Treñas and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon here condemned the cases.
“Considering the great controversy created by the action of RD (Regional Director) Uytico in filing libel cases against the media men in Iloilo City, it is my personal opinion that it would be better if he was reassigned to another place and region so that we can get someone else who will be more effective in taking care of the educational needs of our children,” said Treñas in a statement on Friday, February 23.
“As city vice mayor and son of a former senator who championed some landmark laws on education, it is of my belief that issues on the welfare of students must prevail over discomforts to call out the accountability of public servants. The media is the conscience of our society essential for our democracy to thrive,” said Ganzon.