Media groups slam ‘retaliatory’ charges vs DZRH reporter over report on Manila councilor’s lascivious case involving minor

Media organizations on Thursday, March 12, condemned the filing of charges and arrest of DZRH reporter Misael “Boy” Gonzales Jr., with one group describing the move as retaliatory and another warning of its chilling effect on press freedom.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the case against Gonzales stemmed from his reporting on a criminal complaint involving Manila City Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr., who is facing allegations of lascivious conduct involving a minor.

“The filing of charges and arrest of DZRH reporter Misael Boy Gonzales Jr. after reporting on a criminal case that Manila Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr. is facing is clearly retaliatory and an abuse of the law,” NUJP said in a statement.

According to the group, Gonzales was arrested after reporting details of a warrant of arrest issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 4 against Ibay in connection with an alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

“The case against Ibay, especially since it involves alleged abuse of a minor by a public servant, is a matter of public interest,” the group said. “Reporting on it is Gonzales’ duty and not a crime.”

NUJP stressed that the case involving Ibay, particularly because it allegedly involves abuse of a minor by a public official, is a matter of public interest. “Reporting on it is Gonzales’ duty and not a crime,” the group said.

The organization also warned that the Data Privacy Act has repeatedly been used to intimidate, harass, or retaliate against journalists despite the law recognizing exceptions for journalistic work. “While the security of personal information is important, the Data Privacy Act is also commonly used to deny media workers access to information essential to their work and for ‘lawfare’ suits to deter or punish coverage,” NUJP said.

Meanwhile, the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also expressed concern over the arrest of the veteran radio reporter, saying it raises serious questions about the possible chilling effect on journalists covering the justice system.

“The arrest of a journalist over a report anchored on official court records raises serious concerns about the potential chilling effect on press freedom,” the NPC said.

The NPC urged authorities to ensure that the enforcement of laws does not undermine constitutional guarantees of press freedom, especially when the reporting involves official court records and allegations of wrongdoing by elected public officials.