- Kris Ablan called out Rappler in a misleading statement.
- He acknowledged that they should fact check once in a while.
- He added a 2010 article that allowed to prove his own statement.
Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan called out Rappler on a lie and posted his dismay on Facebook. He also added that what they stated may look like a good headline.
However, Kris also continued that a lie will always remain a lie.
In a CNN Philippines article, Rappler released a statement which said:
“It is the first time, post-Marcos, that a duly-elected president has banned particular journalists from entering the Palace.”
In Kris’ post, he demanded Rappler to check facts once in a while. He also attached a link to an article from Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2010. Kris, then, continued that President Joseph Estrada banned PDI from Malacañang Press Briefings in 1999. Juliet Labog-Javellana wrote the said 2010 article.
“Rappler, mag-fact-check naman kayo kung minsan.
Based on this CNN report quoting your 20 February 2018 statement, you wrote:
“It is the first time, post-Marcos, that a duly-elected president has banned particular journalists from entering the Palace.”
You are wrong.
In 1999, President Joseph Estrada banned the Philippine Daily Inquirer and its palace reporters from Malacanang Press Briefings. Here is the link to Juliet Javellana’s 2010 article about the incident.”
Kris continued to acknowledge that their headline may look and sound better as a good headline. He added that what they stated attracted likes and shares. However, Kris emphasized that a lie will always remain a lie. Kris also attached the first rule in Journalists Code of Ethics:
“I know that saying the ban is a first since Marcos time sounds better, makes for a good headline, and attracts a lot of likes and shares.
But a lie is a lie.
Remember the first rule of the Journalists Code of Ethics:
1. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and to correct substantive errors promptly.
DISCLAIMER: This post is made in my personal capacity, and is by no means reflective of the views and opinions of my place of work. Citation, when sharing this post, should not refer to my official designation, rank, nor my place of work.”
