Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 23) — Lawmakers of the Makabayan bloc are seeking an investigation into the decision of the Presidential Communications Operations Office to edit out portions of President Rodrigo Duterte’s taped speeches.
The progressive lawmakers filed Thursday House Resolution 1062 directing the House Committee on Public Information to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislaton on the PCOO’s move, which runs “contrary to its mandate to ensure transparency and full disclosure” of the President’s pronouncements and activities which are of public concern.
The resolution cited Duterte’s speech to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Jolo, Sulu on July 13. Its edited version aired minus a 10-minute-long portion where Duterte spoke against ABS-CBN just days after a House panel voted to junk the network’s franchise renewal.
The move by the House panel dominated by Duterte’s allies has been widely criticized as a blow to press freedom.
The version of Duterte’s speech which was aired on television only showed him claiming that he “dismantled the oligarchy without declaring martial law.” However, in his unedited speech, he can be heard criticizing ABS-CBN for “ruining” his image, and “playing God” despite numerous violations, and ranting against Rappler, communists, and some business tycoons.
Malacañang earlier denied that it was suppressing crucial information to the public. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also said there is no policy to edit Duterte’s speches before it is broadcast.
The lawmakers also slammed the Palace for allowing the late night airing of Duterte’s taped and edited speeches which contained his crucial remarks about the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of airing them live and unfiltered.
“[This] deprives Filipinos of their right to know, and further puts into question the credibility and transparency of the national government’s communication arms,” the resolution read.
The members of the Makabayan bloc are Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat and Ferdinand Gaite, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT-Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago.
Following criticisms, the Radio Television Malacañang assured that Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on Monday will be aired live and unedited.
