Uson blasted over ignorance of essence of press freedom

PRESSING ON with her offensive against a registered online news organization and its reporter assigned to cover Malacañang and the President, Communications Assistant Secretary Esther Margaux “Mocha” J. Uson has come under fire for her actions that are deemed to undermine press freedom. On Wednesday, reporters covering the Malacañang beat asserted in a statement that the longstanding Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) is an independent organization and not under the control of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) or any other government agencies. “The MPC and its affairs, governed by bylaws in accordance with the constitutional provision on press freedom,” MPC said. “The MPC deplores any attempt to curtail press freedom and will continue to ensure a strong free press, keep the public informed and the government in check,” it added. Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares, in a statement yesterday, also blasted Ms. Uson. “The move to marginalize Rappler in its coverage of the Palace and to demand the legal authority of the Malacañang Press Corps to cover the President are both misplaced and inconsistent with the essence of press freedom and the people’s right to be informed of the President’s activities and pronouncements,” the senator said. “A strong and independent press can only help build a vibrant democracy. As part of an organization that prides itself of passing the first FOI (Freedom of Information) executive order, the PCCO should welcome objective and fair coverage from the press. We must remember that even criticism is necessary if we want an open and transparent government.” —