Cebu Citizens-Press Council

CEBU CITIZENS-PRESS COUNCIL
Statement on alleged media plot to destabilize government
April 23, 2019

One, the news report cited anonymous sources. Two, the basis was a matrix that didn’t show it was evidence-based and thus could be just self-serving. Three, allegation of a conspiracy of media with other sectors did not mention specific incidents or present documents that tend to prove the “plot.” Four, it came just after a special report on the alleged link of the First Family to illegal drugs and the size of their wealth.

CEBU CITIZENS-PRESS COUNCIL STATEMENT
June 17, 2018

The decision of PNP chief Oscar Albayalde to stop parading crime suspects puts back in place the order of then PNP chief Jesus Versoza in 2007 that bans the Philippine equivalent of the U.S.-style “perp walk.”

What Versoza ordered was a rung or two higher than what Cebu media asked the regional police and the NBI in 2006, or a year before the PNP-wide ban.

CEBU CITIZENS-PRESS COUNCIL STATEMENT
May 8, 2018

News editors and reporters generally recognize reasonable rules on media coverage to make the flow of information “systematic and orderly.”

We are concerned though about the “codified rules” on media coverage released last month by the House of Representatives. They include the provision that the press card of a House-accredited journalist may be revoked:

CEBU CITIZENS-PRESS COUNCIL STATEMENT
March 6, 2018

CCPC offers
definition
of ‘fake news’

The Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC) today released its definition of “fake news” or “false news.”

In five paragraphs, the definition tells what “fake news” is, what it is not, when standards of journalism are violated, and scope of content.

Amid confusing use of the phrase, CCPC believes defining “fake news” and laying down journalism norms will help conversation and debate on the controversial subject.

Pachico A. Seares, CCPC executive director, said the definition sees “fake news” from the viewpoint of media and the public it serves. “The legal definition is for lawmakers to make,” Seares said, referring to two pending bills in the Senate and the House that seek to penalize “fake news.”

Started last Dec. 12, 2017 at the MBF Cebu Press Center, consultations were held by CCPC with representatives of Cebu Media Legal Aid (Cemla), Cebu Association of Communication Educators (Cace), and the mass-com students group Cebu Federation of Journalism and Communication Students.

The panel’s initial statement defining “fake news” and its standards eventually evolved into the version adopted and now publicly released, after more vetting by journalists, lawyers and civic leaders.

Cherry Ann Lim, CCPC deputy director, said the council’s statement on “fake news” is not final. It may still be reviewed and revised as conditions change. Journalism instructor-newspaper columnist Jason Baguia, a member of the panel, said it is a “working definition.”

—————————————————

What ‘fake news’
is. What it is not.

(Cebu Citizens-Press
Council [CCPC] definition)

“Fake news” or “false news” is fabricated
content presented as factual information
in the guise of news.

—

Mistakes in reporting and editing, made
in good faith in the rush of deadline, are
not “fake news” or “false news.” Still such
errors violate journalism standards and shall
be avoided or promptly corrected.

Careful reporting and editing help
prevent publication of “fake news” or “false
news.” Diligent fact-checking hastens exposure
of misinformation and falsehood in content.

—

Published content violates journalism
standards if:

(a) It is materially or substantially
contrary to facts;

(b) It is published with knowledge that
it is false or with reckless disregard of
the facts; and/or

(c) It is deceptive, as its real nature
or origin of publication is concealed or
disguised; or it is malicious, as it
misleads for personal profit or partisan
ends, or tends to inflict harm, sow
hate, or devalue norms of traditional media.

—

Content shall include not only text or
words but also photographs, video clips,
graphics and other material presented as news
or information.