Representatives threaten to cite journalist in contempt

Members of the House of Representatives threatened to cite in contempt a local journalist in connection with a series of controversial stories on the supposed bribery allegations in the House in exchange for the swift passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga jr.  in a House committee on good governance and public accountability hearing last June 16, moved to cite in contempt The Standard senior reporter Christine Herrera after she refused to name the sources for her news reports about lawmakers who allegedly received pay-offs for the swift approval of the BBL. The funds were allegedly from a Chinese crime lord who is wanted by the Chinese government and the Interpol for concealing USD100 million.

The Standard broke the pay-off story on June 1. According to the report, ” the Aquino administration used funds from an alleged Chinese crime lord to raise campaign funds for the ruling Liberal Party and to guarantee the swift approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).”  The story was based on the accounts of anonymous sources but appeared as the banner story of the news publication several times.

Other members of the House moved to amend Barzaga’s motion and agreed to move to cite Herrera in contempt until the journalist is able to present more evidence to support her allegation.

Republic Act No. 53, as amended by R.A. No. 1477 Section 1 states:

“The publisher, editor or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news-report or information appearing in said publication which was related in confidence to such publisher, editor or reporter, unless the court or a House or committee of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the security of the State.”

According to a Standard report on June 17, Herrera will attend the next hearing but will still refuse to name her sources.