Members of the Senate media on Thursday pushed back at Sen. Rodante Marcoleta for accusing journalists of being “paid hacks,” saying his remarks were an irresponsible and dangerous attack on press freedom and the media as an institution.
The statement was issued in response to Marcoleta’s remarks made during a hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday, June 4, convened under the bloc of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, which was discussing issues linked to a flood control scandal.
“We, the members of the Senate media, condemn in the strongest possible sense the sweeping claim by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta that many members of the mainstream media are nothing more than paid hacks,” the statement read.
Rodante Marcoleta reportedly made the accusation after citing a sworn statement from 18 former Marines alleging that some media personnel received luggage containing cash.
The Senate media described the remark as irresponsible and a dangerous attack on journalism, stressing that it undermines public trust in the press and weakens democratic institutions.
“Such remarks during Senate Blue Ribbon proceedings were not only irresponsible but a reckless attack on an institution widely acknowledged as essential to any functioning democracy,” the statement added.
“Marcoleta's statement unfairly maligned media workers who risk intimidation, harassment and even their lives to inform the public and hold the powerful accountable,” it added.
Senate media said, “The role of journalists is not to serve politicians, political parties or competing factions in the country's endless political battles.”
The group emphasized that journalists perform a public service role independent of political interests, saying the press exists to report facts, verify information, and hold those in power accountable without fear or favor.
“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,” it said.
The Senate media also warned that branding journalists as partisan actors simply for reporting uncomfortable facts could erode public confidence in legitimate journalism and foster hostility toward media workers, especially during periods of heightened "political conflict."
“Journalists should never be dragged into the rivalries, feuds, or power struggles of political figures. The media is not a weapon to be wielded by one camp against another,” the statement further read.
It also stressed that while criticism of media coverage is valid in a democratic society, there is a clear distinction between fair critique and the blanket vilification of journalists as a profession.
The statement also highlighted that “attempts to paint the press as partisan simply because it reports uncomfortable facts are unfair and dangerous,” as a free press can only perform its constitutional role when it is allowed to operate independently.
“Whether the pressure comes from those in government, those seeking power or those fighting to retain it, journalists must remain free to report the truth wherever the facts may lead,” it said.
Public officials making serious allegations, the group added, should present evidence rather than rely on inflammatory rhetoric that may damage democratic institutions.
“Public officials, such as Marcoleta, who make serious allegations against journalists have a responsibility to present evidence instead of just relying on inflammatory rhetoric that undermines democratic institutions,” it added.
“Again, the press is not the enemy of any political faction. It is not an extension of any political machinery. Its allegiance must remain solely to the truth and to the public it serves,” the statement said.
The media outlet underscored that journalists “deserve freedom to report without being branded, bullied, or sacrificed in the political battles of others.“
Meanwhile, Sen. JV Ejercito expressed support for the Senate media, defending journalists assigned to cover the chamber.
“Sa tagal ko sa Senado, ako ay magpapatunay na ang mga reporters at mainstream media na naka-assign sa Senado ay hindi bayaran,” Ejercito said.
“Nakakalungkot na akusahan na bayaran ang mainstream media,“ he added.
