DOJ chief asked to prove ‘drug-funded’ media groups

THE National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) has challenged Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to release evidence and identify the media groups he claimed to be funded by drug lords.

The NUJP in a statement issued yesterday lambasted Aguirre’s pronouncement that there are media outfits funded by politicians and drug lords to derail President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s war against illegal drugs.

During his speech in the 43rd anniversary of Alpha Kappa Rho fraternity at Cuneta astrodome last Monday, Aguirre said the names of politicians and drug lords funding media groups were discussed during their last Cabinet meeting.

“During the Cabinet cluster meeting for security, justice and peace, if appears that somebody is funding the media... these drug lords in order to destroy President Duterte’s goal to name those involved in the drugs trade,” Aguirre said.

According to NUJP, Aguirre’s allegations could bring journalists life in danger.

“What Mr. Aguirre has done was a spread in a deadly rumor that could place any and all journalists in the cross-sight of those responsible for the extrajudicial killings,” NUJP chair person Ryan Rosauro said.

According to Rosauro, the pronouncements of Aguirre against the media also intend to frighten journalists in “abdicating its duty to inform the people.”

NUJP said it will consult legal experts to know its next step against the justice secretary. ( Keith Calayag/Sunnex)