Governor Interferes with the Media’s Election Coverage

Governor Interferes with the Media’s Election Coverage

The elected Governor of North Cotabato, Emmylou Mendoza confronted Malu Manar, journalist for dxND, Sun Star Davao and Mindanews.com, on May 21 over a May 18 article she wrote about allegations of electoral fraud in the province.

Malu Manar said Governor Mendoza entered the station where she was working and confronted her over the news report which described the allegations made by former governor Pinol’s who had filed a petition to exclude two towns from the canvassing of votes due to ‘improbable’ numbers. 

In an email to the National Union of Journalists, Manar said that "She (Mendoza) was disappointed by the story and threatened to deal with it." Caught by surprise, Manar felt unable to defend her position.

On May 22, Mendoza then sent letters to news outfits that published Manar's report and to NUJP, demanding that they take "appropriate action" against the journalist for, among other reasons, failing to get her side on Pinol's accusation of election fraud. 

Manar, who also chairs the NUJP-Kidapawan Chapter, expressed her disappointment, saying: "I am not her worker. I do not work for her. I am a reporter."

According to an article published on May 26 in Sun Star "Mendoza was never quoted in the story except when she denied Piñol's allegations, saying she won 'fair and square,' which is a harmless attribution and does not do her any damage."

The actions of the Governor are completely unacceptable and a direct attempt to stifle freedom of information. The IFJ urges all Government officials in the Philippines to refrain from intimidation and interference in the media’s ability to independently report. The press play an important role in ensuring the public’s right to information.

ENDS

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