Media organizations and a government body tasked with protecting journalists urged Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to provide evidence or apologize after he described many members of the Philippine media as “bayaran” or paid hacks during a Senate hearing on June 4.
The remarks drew swift condemnation from Senate reporters, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS), and the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP), all of which challenged the senator to substantiate his allegations or retract them.
Marcoleta made the comment during a Senate inquiry into alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects, telling journalists covering the proceedings that most members of the media were “bayaran” while questioning whether they had challenged other senators involved in the discussion.
Journalists assigned to cover the Senate condemned the remarks, calling them “a reckless attack on an institution widely acknowledged as essential to any functioning democracy.”
In a statement, the Senate media said Marcoleta’s accusation unfairly targeted journalists who “risk intimidation, harassment and even their lives to inform the public and hold the powerful accountable.”
“The Fourth Estate exists to serve the public interest. Its duty is to pursue facts, verify information, question those in power and report developments without fear or favor,” the group said.
The reporters also rejected attempts to portray journalists as participants in political rivalries.
“A free press can only perform its constitutional role when it is allowed to operate independently, free from pressure, threats, intimidation, or political coercion from any side,” the statement said.
PTFOMS, a government agency under the Office of the President mandated to help protect journalists and media workers, also expressed concern over Marcoleta’s remarks.
“The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) expresses concern over Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s claim that members of the media, particularly those covering the Philippine Senate, are ‘bayaran’ or paid hacks,” the agency said. “This assertion is not only unfounded but poses a significant threat to the security and safety of journalists who perform essential roles in our democracy.”
The agency said the senator’s comments threatened media credibility and could expose journalists to harm.
“Journalists have a duty to report accurately and impartially, and it is critical that public officials respect their role as watchdogs of accountability and truth,” PTFOMS said.
It also urged Marcoleta to either support his allegations with evidence or withdraw them.
“Senator Marcoleta, who has previously championed accountability, should adhere to these ideals by either backing his claims with solid evidence or withdrawing his comments and apologizing to the journalists he has wrongfully accused,” the agency said.
PTFOMS warned that attacks on journalists could undermine democratic institutions.
“Casting vague aspersions against the media doesn’t foster constructive dialogue. It threatens the very foundations of democratic processes by attempting to sway public opinion against those tasked with holding those in power to account,” it said.
The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines also challenged Marcoleta to identify the journalists he believes violated professional standards and present evidence against them.
“PCP urges Sen. Marcoleta to substantiate his allegations and identify the journalists he believes have violated professional and ethical standards. If he possesses evidence of wrongdoing, he should present it before the appropriate bodies and allow due process to take its course,” the organization said.
The group said criticism of the media is a legitimate part of democratic discourse but stressed that public officials have a responsibility to support serious accusations with facts.
PCP said public officials should help create an environment where journalists can perform their work safely and independently, and that serious allegations against media workers must be backed by evidence rather than broad accusations.
