Cebu Citizens-Press Council

CEBU CITIZENS-PRESS COUNCIL EN BANC MEETINGS

Sept. 21, 2005
1st quarterly meeting, held at Krua Thai, Banilad Town Centre, Cebu City

Sun.Star Cebu leads the revival of the Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC), which had been in hibernation for three years, with a meeting involving the 15 people (members of media, semi-media and the public) invited to become members of the council.

An election is held. Elected officers are Dr. Pureza Oñate, president; Sabino Dapat, vice president; Jonathan Capanas, secretary; and Fr. Aloysius Cartagenas, treasurer.

Sun.Star Cebu editor-in-chief Pachico Seares presents the basic principles of the CCPC.

Feb. 3, 2006
2nd quarterly meeting, held at Café Georg, Banilad, Cebu City

The executive director, Pachico Seares, through his assistant, Cherry Ann Lim, reports that the MBF Cebu Press Center in Lahug, Cebu City has opened as a receiving center for complaints addressed to the CCPC.

Pachico Seares presents the CCPC’s Rules of Procedure and Code of Practice for approval by the CCPC en banc. The body approves them.

Philippine Press Institute trustee Juan Mercado presents the ethical issue of the police parading crime suspects before media, asking if it is not a violation of their presumption of innocence. The suggestion is made to form an internal working group to come up with recommendations on this issue for submission to the next CCPC en banc.

June 28, 2006
3rd quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through his assistant, Cherry Ann Lim, reports that the CCPC website has been launched at www.cebucitizenspresscouncil.org with Sun.Star Cebu managing it.

The CCPC en banc adopts in principle the committee report on the standards of identifying crime suspects that might be issued as an advisory to Cebu journalists. But the committee (composed of Mayette Tabada, Jerry Tundag and Joy Tumulak) is tasked to meet with the police authorities to get their thoughts on this issue.

The CCPC en banc expresses support for two bills and agrees to send a resolution of support for the bills to the Senate and to the local government units. House Bill 4835 amends the Sotto Law (which grants journalists the right not to divulge their news sources) to include journalists of broadcast stations, wire agencies and the Internet. House Bill 77 limits the venue of civil
and criminal libel against community print and broadcast journalists and newspapers and broadcast stations to the principal office of business of the publication or station.

Sept. 21, 2006
4th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) CCPC has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization;
(b) The rules on the beneficiaries of the Cebu Media Medical Aid Fund and a list of journalists in Cebu, have been uploaded on the CCPC website; and
(c) Letters have been sent to senators requesting that they act on the two House bills the CCPC voiced support for, before the Senate adjourns that year; and a tie-up was made with the Philippine Press Institute, whose board made the same appeal to the Senate.

Mayette Tabada, head of the committee tasked to study the issue of parading suspects before the media, reports on the commitments made by law enforcement officials following an Aug. 31, 2006 meeting between the committee and the police authorities regarding the proposed standards on describing or identifying crime suspects. After comments made by Monsignor Achilles Dakay and Minerva Newman, OIC of the Philippine Information Agency 7, on why priests, women and children who figure in wrongdoing or are victims of crime should not also be shielded from publicity, the CCPC decides to form a study group to propose standards on the coverage of priests, as well as women and children.

Dec. 5, 2006
5th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) The Cebu Citizens-Press Council has opened a bank account.
(b) Nine lawyers last Nov. 24, 2006 signed a commitment as volunteers to the Cebu Media Legal Aid (Cemla) organization, which will provide pro bono assistance to journalists with inadequate or no counsel in answering complaints for libel and other violations of law.

To CCPC members and religious officials at the meeting, Mia Embalzado, committee chairperson, presents the committee report on the coverage of religion and religious officials, arrived at after consultations with stakeholders. The CCPC en banc approves the standards.

CCPC executive director Pachico Seares proposes an appeal for both media and government to show a greater sense of responsibility during the 12th Asean Summit that Cebu is expected to host later that month.

March 20, 2007
6th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

CCPC member Mia Embalzado presents the CCPC’s resolution, reminding the press to abide by the standards of law and practice on the coverage of women and children. CCPC member John Rey Saavedra presents the proposed CCPC resolution on the media coverage of the May 2007 elections, highlighting the watchdog function of the press. The body approves the resolutions.

A Church-Media Dialogue is held with CCPC member Eileen Mangubat giving a talk “What the Church needs to know about the media.” Priests give the Church’s view on why the institution takes long in responding to media requests for information, especially on erring priests.

June 27, 2007
7th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that although House Bill 77, limiting the venue of libel against community journalists, was passed by the Lower House and transmitted to the Senate in the 13th Congress, the adjournment of the 13th Congress in June 2007 means the bill will have to be re-filed in the House at the 14th Congress.

CCPC member Mia Embalzado and Ian Manticajon, leaders of an academic team analyzing media’s coverage of the May 2007 elections, present the initial interpretations of the research work of their masscom students on how the five Cebu daily newspapers covered the last election campaign. The team studied 44 issues—from March 31, 2007 to May 13, 2007.

Sept. 21, 2007
8th quarterly meeting, held at Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Mia Embalzado and Ian Manticajon present the final report of the study on how the five Cebu daily newspapers covered the 2007 election campaign. Copies of the study were given to representatives of the five newspapers—Sun.Star Cebu, The Freeman, Cebu Daily News, Banat News and Sun.Star SuperBalita.

The documentary “Covering Priests—Clearing the Air, Bridging the Gap” is screened. The documentary aims to improve the understanding of Church and media structures so there may be a better flow of information between the two institutions. The half-hour film features interviews with Church officials, like Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, and journalists.

Dec. 14, 2007
9th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

CCPC members present a position paper crafted from arguments by newspaper and broadcast journalists, and members of the Cebu Media Legal Aid, opposing the compulsory access to media under the Right to Reply bills pending in the 14th Congress. These bills are Senate Bill 1178 introduced by Sen. Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr., House Bill 1001 introduced by Rep. Monico O. Puentevella and House Bill 162 introduced by Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara.

It is agreed that the position paper and a resolution opposing the bills will be sent to Congress.

March 24, 2008
10th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that after receiving CCPC’s position paper and getting feedback from other media groups in the country, Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara, author of right to reply House Bill 162, said he would withdraw his bill.

Rose O. Versoza of the Cemla discusses the bills seeking to decriminalize libel: Senate Bill 918 (by Sen. Edgardo Angara), SB 110 (Sen. Mar Roxas), SB 223 (Sen. Loren Legarda), SB 5 (Sen. Jinggoy Estrada), SB 1403 (Sen. Francis Escudero) and House Bill 2802 (Rep. Prospero Nograles). CCPC executive director Pachico A. Seares and Cemla’s Elias Espinoza present the editors’ and lawyers’ positions on these bills, respectively. Prosecutors give their views during the discussion. The CCPC en banc adopts the position and the resolution presented on these bills, and approves of their sending to Congress.

CCPC member John Rey Saavedra discusses the features of Senate Bill 1398 (by Sen. Loren Legarda) and SB 9 (Sen. Jinggoy Estrada) seeking to promote journalists’ welfare. Seares presents the editors’ position on these bills. The CCPC en banc adopts the position and the resolution presented on these bills, and approves of their sending to Congress.

June 19, 2008
11th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) Senate Bill 1178 by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., which legislates the right to reply, was substituted with SB 2150, which was approved on Second Reading, with amendments, on June 11, 2008.
(b) The Philippine Press Institute has declared its support for the voluntary right of reply.

A dialogue between justice beat reporters and sources from the prosecutors’ offices, courts and anti-graft office has reporters complaining about difficulty in gaining access to information and documents, as well as harassment by lawyers when reporters are forced to appear as witnesses in cases. Judges, prosecutors and the deputy ombudsman from the Visayas anti-graft office explain why they limit access to information.

Sept. 26, 2008
12th quarterly meeting, held at Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Cebu City

The Cebu Media Legal Aid’s Frank Malilong presents to the CCPC en banc amendments to House Bill 3306 (the right of reply bill of Reps. Angara, Puentevella, Fua, Abante, Lapus, Teng and Zialcita) proposed by a group of local editors and Cemla lawyers in an Aug. 13, 2008 meeting at Club Ultima.

The documentary “Access Denied: Journalists’ Lament, News Sources’ Plea,” produced by the CCPC and the Cebu Press Freedom Week Inc. was screened. The 20-minute film featuring journalists and news sources, including Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, tackles the frustrations of journalists in gaining access to information and the concerns raised by news sources against journalists seeking to get information from them.

Dec. 4, 2008
13th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

CCPC member Mayette Tabada reports that following the Oct. 26 consultation in Manila among citizens-press councils in the country, the Philippine Journalism Review (PJR) Reports featured the CCPC and the factors behind its success in its November 2008 issue.

The media and new sources trade complaints following the screening of the documentary “Access Denied: Journalists’ Lament, News Sources’ Plea” and a presentation of a summary of complaints of new sources against the media, and vice versa, as culled from interviews with news sources; discussions among editors of local papers, lawyer-members of Cemla; interviews with journalists; records of complaints raised at previous CCPC meetings, surveys conducted by UP mass communication students and complaints published in newspapers.

March 26, 2009
14th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

Executive director Pachico Seares reports that the House of Representatives has forwarded to the Senate two bills the House has approved. The CCPC had earlier recommended and even helped draft House Bill 431, which limits the venue for the criminal and civil action in libel cases against community newspapers to the principal office of business; and House Bill 430, which expands the scope of Republic Act 53 to include broadcast and Internet journalists in the privilege of not disclosing their sources unless demanded by the security of the state.

The documentary “Killing Journalists: The Cebu Experience” is screened before members and guests from the police, military, Commission on Human Rights, National Bureau of Investigation and disaster-response groups.

The film “Stay Alive: Safety for Journalists” is screened, after which Sun.Star Cebu justice beat reporter and Peace and Conflict Journalism Network International director Karlon Rama presents a proposed news safety manual to guide media during the coverage of disasters and civil disturbances, and to help them deal with death threats and newsroom and coverage stress.

June 25, 2009
15th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

CCPC member Mayette Tabada announces that: (a) the information in the proposed news safety manual presented at the previous meeting, along with the tips advanced by guests at that meeting, have been printed in a brochure to be distributed to the Cebu tri-media. Some 1,000 copies of the brochure were printed; (b) CCPC’s amendments to the right to reply bill have been inserted in the House version of the bill, currently on the floor for plenary debates.

Consultation 1 of a dialogue on improving media coverage of the 2010 elections is held with politicians, representatives from C-Cimpel, the Comelec, police and election watchdogs.

Executive director Pachico Seares announces the Cebu Province’s offer to provide space in Museo Sugbo for the Cebu Journalism Museum. The CCPC en banc approves the plan.

Sept. 24, 2009
16th quarterly meeting, held at Cebu City Marriott Hotel

CCPC member Mayette Tabada presents the findings of the academe-led analysis of the coverage of the 2007 elections by Cebu’s five daily newspapers, and proposes a larger study for the 2010 elections.

Consultation 3 of a dialogue on improving media coverage of the 2010 elections is held with businessmen, politicians and candidates, PR practitioners and members of the academe.

[Note: Consultation 2 had been held on Aug. 29, 2009 at Tara’s Café & Restaurant, Cebu City between tri-media and Commission on Elections provincial election supervisor IV Lionel Castillano, C-Cimpel executive director Marilu Chiongbian, and Police Regional Office 7’s Regional Director Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, and Regional Operations and Plans Division chief Police Senior Supt. Louie Oppus. The Comelec, police and C-Cimpel agreed to have a joint Election Media Center where they could conduct regular briefings at designated hours during the busy election period. The issue of banning radio blocktimers during elections was also brought up.]

Dec. 2, 2009
17th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

CCPC executive director Pachico Seares presents a resolution adopting the initial recommendations to news organizations on improving media coverage of the 2010 elections.

Team leader Ian Manticajon presents a general idea of what the 2010 academe-led analysis of Cebu print media’s coverage of the 2010 elections will cover, and Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility’s desire to partner with the Cebu team on the study.

Consultation 4 of a dialogue on improving media coverage of the 2010 elections is held with media handlers, PR practitioners and political strategists.

March 11, 2010
18th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

Consultation 5 of a dialogue on improving media coverage of the 2010 elections is held with Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial election supervisor IV Lionel Castillano and Smartmatic-TIM Corp.’s PR manager Eugene Gregorio and demonstrations and presentations coordinator Miguel Avila.

The CCPC en banc approves the proposal to request the Comelec en banc in Manila for a copy of the election results in the May polls.

The memorandum of agreement between the Cebu Citizens–Press Council (CCPC) and the Province of Cebu on the use by the CCPC of a portion of the Museo Sugbo as Cebu Journalism and Journalists Center for 25 years, renewable, is approved by the CCPC en banc.

June 29, 2010
19th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

Elias Espinoza of the Cebu Media Legal Aid presents the results of a fact-finding trip to Tagbilaran, Bohol last June 9, 2010 with Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists president Elias Baquero, following a complaint by Peter Dejaresco, owner of The Bohol Chronicle newspaper, that Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim refused to issue the newspaper a business permit after the newspaper began a series of exposes against the mayor. Lim said the non-issuance of the permit had to do with the newspaper’s tax payment deficiencies. The CCPC, through a panel that looked into the team’s report, cautioned the mayor against using his authority to restrict or suppress press freedom in his city. It also advised the complaining media group to follow standards of fairness and accuracy so as not to be perceived as being unprofessionally partisan.

Team leader Ian Manticajon gives a preliminary report on the results of the academe-led analysis of Cebu print media’s coverage of the 2010 elections.

Eddie Barrita of the Cebu Media Legal Aid solicits views from guests from various sectors of society on how to improve coverage of the next elections.

Sept. 23, 2010
20th quarterly meeting, held at Cebu Parklane International Hotel

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) Through the efforts of the CCPC, the marker for Cebu’s first post-war press freedom martyr Antonio Abad Tormis was reinstalled on Borromeo St., Cebu City on Sept. 21, 2010 by the Cebu City Government following approval of the resolution proposed by Councilor Edgardo Labella;
(b) The Cebu City Council also approved an ordinance renaming a street in Barangay Camputhaw after deceased sports writer Manuel N. Oyson Jr.;
(c) The Cebu Journalism and Journalists Gallery is to open at Museo Sugbo on Sept. 24, 2010.

The CCPC adopts a resolution on the twin issues of prosecuting broadcast networks and broadcasters, and legislating standards on covering hostage crises and other emergencies.

The CCPC discusses possible change in the purpose of CCPC.

The documentary “Corruption of Media: The Cebu Setting” produced by the CCPC and Cebu Press Freedom Week Inc. is screened.

Nov. 16, 2010
21st quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The documentary “Corruption of Media: The Cebu Setting” is re-screened after which the CCPC en banc agrees to issue a press statement declaring that it found nothing libelous or unfair to individuals, media organizations or government offices mentioned in the film; it understands the discomfort Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) members felt given the sensitive nature of the topic; and opens the door for dialogue with the CFBJ to address their specific concerns, even as it affirms its support to the video project and stands behind it.

Feb. 25, 2011
22nd quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

Frank Malilong of Cebu Media Legal Aid (Cemla) moderates a discussion on a proposed memorandum of understanding between the Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office 7 and Cebu media providing the media with guidance on their coverage of hostage situations and other crisis incidents. This comes after the tragic August 2010 bus hostage taking incident in Manila that claimed many lives.

Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC) assistant executive director Cherry Ann Lim presents a draft protocol and tips to protect lady journalists from sexual harassment from news sources and colleagues. Days earlier, on Feb. 22, 2011, CCPC and Cemla had issued a joint statement on the complaint filed by Cebu Daily News correspondent Carmel Loise Matus and publisher/acting editor-in-chief Eileen Mangubat against Police Supt. Henry Biñas.)

Jun. 30, 2011
23rd quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

Cebu Media Legal Aid’s Rose Versoza presents Cemla’s position urging news organizations and journalists to reject subpoenas or summonses from local legislatures and to be cautious about invitations to explain before them news or opinion published in print or broadcast.

Police officials and the media agree to further modify the guidelines on media coverage during crisis situations that had been proposed by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 after the August 2010 hostage siege of a tourist bus in Manila that claimed many lives.

Sept. 22, 2011
24th quarterly meeting, held at Harolds Hotel, Gorordo Ave., Lahug, Cebu City

The Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office 7 and Cebu media sign a memorandum of understanding providing the media and police with guidance on their coverage of hostage situations and other crisis incidents.

The documentary “Ang Pulis ug ang Media” co-produced by CCPC and GMA 7 is screened. The film, first aired over GMA’s “Isyu Karon Central Visayas” on Sept. 17, 2011, discusses the relationship between the local police and media.

Cebu Media Legal Aid’s (Cemla) Frank Malilong presents Cemla’s arguments against the proposed “Anti-Tabloid Ordinance of 2011” of the Cebu Provincial Board, which seeks to ban tabloids in the towns and cities of Cebu Province. Malilong calls it unconstitutional, unnecessary and dangerous.

Dec. 6, 2011
25th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The “Anti-Tabloid Ordinance of 2011,” renamed “Anti-Obscenity Ordinance” after it was amended following comments the ordinance’s drafters received at the September Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC) meeting, still garners objections from the Cebu Media Legal Aid (Cemla) and the CCPC. CCPC presents its resolution objecting to particular provisions of the new ordinance to the Cebu Provincial Board.

Cemla member Rose Versoza and CCPC secretary Jonathan Capanas present Cemla’s and CCPC’s position, respectively, on House Bill 2901 by Rep. Giorgidi B. Aggabao, supporting provisions of the bill that: (1) expand the scope of qualified privileged communication, (2) shorten the prescription period by half to 6 months, (3) make editors and publishers liable only if the material passed through them, and (4) limit the venue of libel. The CCPC assistant executive director is tasked to give copies of CCPC’s position on the bill to members of Congress, the Philippine Press Institute and the Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility.

March 29, 2012
26th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

CCPC secretary Jonathan Capanas presents proposed rules on the selection of CCPC members and officers, which were adopted by the CCPC en banc.

Cemla president Elias Espinoza discusses the bills seeking to decriminalize libel: Senate Bill 683 and SB 83 (by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada), SB 2053 (Sen. Edgardo Angara), SB 2162 (Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero), House Bill 728 (Reps. Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez Jr.), HB 476 (Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara), HB 1009 (Reps. Teodoro A. Casiño and Neri Javier Colmenares), HB 2223 (Rep. Salvio Fortuno) and HB 2979 (Rep. Salvador Escudero). Cemla member Eddie Barrita discusses the pros and cons of decriminalizing libel. The CCPC en banc agrees to adopt a position on libel decriminalization before the annual forum of the Philippine Press Institute on April 23-25, 2012.

June 28, 2012
27th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that CCPC, with Cebu Press Freedom Week Inc., sponsored with the Philippine Press Institute, US Embassy, Peace and Conflict Journalism Network and University of San Carlos (USC) a libel decriminalization forum on May 4, 2012 at the USC-Main Campus with Court of Appeals Associate Justice Gabriel Ingles as main speaker.

She also reports on the improvements in CCPC’s broadcast booth in the Cebu Journalism and Journalists (CJJ) Gallery at Museo Sugbo made in time for the May 25, 2012 Gabii sa Kabilin heritage event, as well as on CCPC’s decision not to comment on Senate Bill 2965, the Data Privacy Act of 2012, after amendments made in the bicameral version of the bill assured that journalists would still not be compelled to reveal the source of their news reports.

The Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC), Cebu Media Legal Aid (Cemla), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cebu City Chapter and IBP-Cebu Chapter sign a memorandum of agreement to put up a database on law and jurisprudence affecting media and a record of incidents regarding violence, abuse or harassment of Cebu journalists and their co-workers.

Sept. 20, 2012
28th quarterly meeting, held at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Nivel Hills, Cebu City

Sun.Star Network Exchange editor-in-chief Nini Cabaero talks about the Internet libel provisions in the newly passed Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Smart Communications Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto talks about how newsrooms today should deal with the new media.

CCPC secretary Jonathan Capanas presents the CCPC resolution seeking the immediate passage of the long-delayed Freedom of Information Act, and the CCPC en banc agrees to send the resolution to Congress and the Office of the President.

CCPC releases an eight-page brochure on the CCPC.

Dec. 6, 2012
29th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

Cebu Media Legal Aid president Elias Espinoza presents Senate Bill 3327, The Magna Carta for Philippine Internet Freedom, saying it has no provision for imprisonment for Internet libel, and does not presume malice in defamatory imputations. But points raised during the discussion include the prospect of a reporter being prosecuted under both the Revised Penal Code and the Magna Carta if his article printed in the newspaper also appeared on the Internet.

Cebu Bloggers Society president Ruben Licera Jr. talks about the accountabilities of bloggers and social media users.

April 23, 2013
30th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that CCPC held two dialogues, one between media and the Commission on Elections (March 7, 2013), the other between media and police chiefs (April 11, 2013), as part of the “Cebu Media and Elections 2013” joint project of the CCPC, Comelec 7, Police Regional Office 7, Cebu-Citizens’ Involvement and Maturation in People’s Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel) and Dilaab Foundation Inc. CCPC members Eileen Mangubat and Lucky Malicay give a summary on what was learned during these two dialogues.

Ethelbert Ouano, legal officer of Lapu-Lapu City and legal consultant of Cebu Bloggers Society Inc., speaks on the effect of election law on blogging and social and online media.

As part of the third dialogue with media under the “Cebu Media and Elections 2013” project, C-Cimpel’s Chadwick Llanos reported on the poll watchdog’s activities for the 2013 elections, while Dilaab’s Jenny Lea Tan described the group’s voters’ literacy campaign.

July 18, 2013
31st quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Lahug, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) The third dialogue held as part of CCPC’s “Cebu Media and Elections 2013” project took place between media and C-cimpel and Dilaab Foundation Inc. during CCPC’s April 23, 2013 quarterly meeting;
(b) As a component of the project, CCPC held five presscons at the Election Media Center at the Police Regional Office 7 from May 12-14, 2013;
(c) Nine journalists from the Thai Journalists Association came to Cebu on May 18, 2013 to learn about the CCPC;
(d) CCPC, through Lim, represented the Philippines at the May 24, 2013 Meeting on the Establishment of the Asean Press Council in Bangkok.

Cebu Media Legal Aid president Elias Espinoza presents the CCPC resolution reiterating support for, and urging passage of, bills re-filed in the 16th Congress that benefit journalists. He also reports that Cebu Provincial Board Member Peter Calderon, co-author of the proposed Anti-Obscenity Ordinance, had withdrawn the bill, citing difficulties in its implementation and referring violations on obscenity to the Revised Penal Code instead.

The CCPC en banc approves the membership rules presented by CCPC secretary Jonathan Capanas, the expanded purposes of the council presented by CCPC executive director (ED) Pachico Seares, and the proposal to ask the Cebu Provincial Board to reaffirm the CCPC’s contract on its CJJ Gallery in the Museo Sugbo.

Cebu Press Freedom Week Inc. president Michelle So gives glimpses on this year’s Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration and CCPC’s participation in previous celebrations. Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists president Elias Baquero apprises CCPC members and guests on the accomplishments of the Cebu Newscoop. And Seares presents a scholarship program to benefit masscom students from University of the Philippines Cebu and St. Theresa’s College.

Sept. 19, 2013
32nd quarterly meeting, held at Quest International Hotel and Conference Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) The CCPC issued statements on Aug. 20, 2013 on the conviction of broadcaster Leo Lastimosa, and on Sept. 16, 2013 on the murder of broadcaster and PDEA spokesman Jessie Tabanao;
(b) As part of the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration, CCPC co-organized with the KBP and Philippine Information Agency 7 a dialogue between media and government information officers and CCPC organized the 2nd Heritage Visit from Sept. 16-21 intended to draw visitors to its Cebu Journalism and Journalists Gallery at Museo Sugbo.

Associate Justice Gabriel Ingles of the Court of Appeals Cebu Station, Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists president Elias Baquero and Cebu Media Legal Aid president Elias Espinoza give arguments opposing Senate Bill 380 or the Proposed Magna Carta for Journalists.

Dec. 5, 2013
33rd quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution 1405-2013 authorized Gov. Hilario Davide to sign for Cebu Province the MOA with CCPC for the use of a space in Museo Sugbo for the CJJ Gallery;
(b) She represented CCPC in the 2nd meeting on the Asean Press Council in Bali, Indonesia on Nov. 8, 2013;
(c) CCPC issued a statement on Nov. 14, 2013 on the journalists affected by typhoon Yolanda.

Ledrolen Manriquez, acting national coordinator/chief of operations of Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (Pecojon) Philippines, gives a talk on the coverage of disasters, while CCPC member Mia Mateo gave an assessment on Cebu’s media coverage of Yolanda; reactors were Sun.Star Cebu reporter Kevin Lagunda and The Freeman reporter AJ de la Torre.

CCPC members approve a resolution to recognize two Cebu journalists for their achievements and to express their appreciation to the groups that selected them for distinction: Sun.Star Network Exchange editor-in-chief Nini Cabaero received the Sandra Burton-Nieman Fellowship for Filipino Journalists from the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation in a selection process supervised by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, while Cebu Daily News publisher and acting editor-in-chief Eileen Mangubat was named the 2013 Marshall McLuhan Fellow by The Embassy of Canada.

April 10, 2014
34th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that Gov. Hilario Davide has signed for Cebu Province the MOA with CCPC for the use of a space in Museo Sugbo for the CJJ Gallery, University of the Philippines Cebu presented CCPC with a Certificate of Appreciation on March 20, 2014 for its contribution to the Mass Communication Program in line with Rep. Raul del Mar’s funding of the refurbishment and equipping of the school’s rooms used for the program; and on CCPC’s filing requirements and estimated annual fees with government institutions.

Reacting to the Supreme Court ruling on the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 declaring online libel constitutional, Atty. Ethelbert Ouano, legal consultant of the Cebu Bloggers Society, and Ret. Judge Meinrado Paredes of the Cebu Regional Trial Court give their views, while Atty. Eddie Barrita of Cebu Media Legal Aid presents CCPC’s resolution reaffirming its 2008 and 2012 position supporting the removal of imprisonment as penalty for libel, renewing its call for limits to the venue of libel, and asking Congress to clarify ambiguities relating to repeated libel.

July 17, 2014
35th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that National Historical Commission of the Philippines Director Ludovico Badoy, in front of Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, committed last July 15 to shore up the damaged wall in Museo Sugbo leading to the CCPC’s Cebu Journalism and Journalists (CJJ) Gallery within a month.

Executive director Pachico Seares reports that the Philippine Press Institute has a project with CCPC to visit four cities this year to share its experience in forming press councils. He also asks, and receives, the approval of the body on the appointment of Fr. Ramon Echica as treasurer; Lim as assistant treasurer, and Rose Versoza as assistant corporate secretary. He says the regular election will be in the last quarterly meeting for the year.

The Cebu Media Legal Aid’s (Cemla) Rose Versoza presents CCPC’s resolution repeating and clarifying CCPC’s stand on obscenity and confiscation of printed publications by the Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (CCAIB), following CCAIB’s confiscation of FHM, Cosmopolitan and Maxim magazines and Kamasutra books from BookSale in SM City Cebu for allegedly being obscene and/or pornographic.

Atty. Rameses Villagonzalo and Smart Communications senior manager for public affairs-Vismin Atty. Jane Paredes are panelists in the discussion “How lawyers deal with media for their clients” moderated by Cemla’s Frank Malilong Jr.

Sept. 25, 2014
36th quarterly meeting, held at Quest Hotel and Conference Center-Cebu

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports on her and Pachico Seares’ trips to Bacolod City (Aug. 29, 2014), Davao (Sept. 12, 2014), Pampanga (Sept. 26, 2014) and General Santos (Oct. 10, 2014) facilitated by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) to promote the formation of citizens-press councils in the country; and on the partnership of the CCPC with the PPI on two forums held on Sept. 20, 2014 (a seminar on editing techniques for new media and social media, and a health and wellness forum) at Summit Circle Cebu.

The Cebu Media Legal Aid’s (Cemla) Elias Espinoza presents CCPC’s resolution on the proposed amendments to Cebu City Ordinance 1408 on the powers of the Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (CCAIB).

Dec. 11, 2014
37th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that Executive Director Pachico Seares and the Cebu Media Legal Aid’s (Cemla) Elias Espinoza and Rose Versoza appeared at the Cebu City Council’s Oct. 8, 2014 public hearing to present CCPC’s resolution on the proposed amendments to Cebu City Ordinance 1408 on the powers of the Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (CCAIB).

Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists president Elias Baquero and the KBP-Cebu legal counsel Cynthia Barte give their position on the proposed amendments to Cebu City Ordinance 1408.

CCPC member Eileen Mangubat presents CCPC’s resolution encouraging the community press to help curb impunity through vigilance against conditions that promote it.

Atty. Paul Elmer Clemente, Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, speaks on how media may gain access to the Ombudsman’s Office.

Nestor Ramirez, chairman of the Department of Journalism and Communications of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), introduces “Conversation: Cebu Media-Academe Forum,” the joint project between the CCPC and the Cebu Association of Communication Educators to bridge the gap in information between the media and journalism students and educators.

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that the first “Conversation: Cebu Media-Academe Forum” Executive Director Pachico Seares and the Cebu Media Legal Aid’s (Cemla) Elias Espinoza and Rose Versoza appeared at the Cebu City Council’s Oct. 8, 2014 public hearing to present CCPC’s resolution on the proposed amendments to Cebu City Ordinance 1408 on the powers of the Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (CCAIB).

April 23, 2015
38th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that the damage on the wall fronting the Cebu Journalism and Journalists Gallery at Museo Sugbo following the 2013 October earthquake has still not been repaired, hampering the flow of visitors to the gallery.

Executive director Pachico Seares reports on the response and clarification of Paul Elmer M. Clemente, deputy for the ombudsman for the Visayas, on his letter of inquiry on the policy of the Ombudsman-Visayas Office on media’s access to that office.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama engages in a dialogue with City Hall reporters led by Chris Ligan, president of the City Hall Association of Reporters in Media, on City Hall coverage.

July 9, 2015
39th quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) In response to CCPC’s resolution on the proposed amendments to Cebu City Ordinance 1408 on the powers of the Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board (CCAIB), the Cebu City Council dropped the words “even without any prior court order” from its provision on the board’s authority to inspect or investigate establishments but that it retained the provision allowing the confiscation of printed publications;
(b) CCPC opposed through a Jan. 20, 2015 statement the addition in 2013 to House Bill 362 seeking to amend the Sotto Law the requirement that a journalist protected by this law should be “a duly accredited journalist or practitioner” of a legitimate news outlet or reputable association of media persons. What CCPC has proposed to amend since 2005 is only the expansion of the law’s protection to journalists outside print media.
(c) The first “Conversation: Cebu Media-Academe Forum” took place on Feb. 27, 2015 at St. Theresa’s College (STC) with students from STC, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Southwestern University (SWU) and Cebu Normal University in attendance; and that the next one will be held on Oct. 10 in SWU.

Ret. Judge Simeon Dumdum Jr. of the Regional Trial Court, Cebu City gives a talk on “Writing and Broadcast that invite Libel,” with columnist Bobby Nalzaro and broadcaster Choy Torralba as reactors.

Sept. 24, 2015
40th quarterly meeting, held at Quest Hotel and Conference Center-Cebu

The executive director, through Cherry Ann Lim, reports that:
(a) The CCPC hosted the Sept. 4, 2015 Cebu Association of Communication Educators (CACE) meeting at Sunburst Mango to review the CACE-CCPC project “Conversation: Cebu Media-Academe Forum” with 40 educators and students, with CCPC executive director Pachico A. Seares talking about the project’s concept and structure and CACE president Nestor Ramirez answering questions and commenting on recommendations;
(b) The CCPC took the initiative for the House of Representatives, the Cebu City Council and the Cebu Provincial Board to recognize Sept. 21, focal point of the annual Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration, as Cebu Press Freedom Day in the province and cities of Cebu.

Fr. Roberto “Bob” Ebisa, SVD, station manager of radio station dyRF, speaks on “Religion, Elections and Media Coverage.”

Dec. 10, 2015
41st quarterly meeting, held at MBF Cebu Press Center, Cebu City

Elias Espinoza of the Cebu Media Legal Aid presents the CCPC resolution requesting the Cebu Provincial Government to clarify its rules on the release of public documents to the media.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Rafael B. Olaño speaks on how Comelec deals with media. Reactors are representatives from the Dilaab Foundation Inc., election watchdog C-Cimpel and the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ), whose president Elias Baquero talks about CFBJ’s problems during previous elections and gives recommendations to the Comelec, Dilaab and C-Cimpel on enhancing access to information to improve election coverage in the May 2016 elections.