The GMA News report has drawn backlash from pro-Duterte supporters and vloggers who labeled it as “fake news.”
In response, veteran broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio came to his network’s defense via an Instagram post, emphasizing GMA News’ commitment to ethical journalism.
“Tinitiyak ko na anumang sensitibong impormasyon na makakalap ng @gmanews ay dumaraan sa masusing pagsusuri bago ito ibalita. Kaya malabo itong ilarawan na ‘fake news,’” Clavio said.
Clavio questioned the credibility of China’s denial, citing past instances where the Chinese government had also denied involvement in controversial international matters, including territorial disputes and foreign conflicts.
View this post on Instagram
He also used the moment to propose the creation of a formal “Code of Ethics for Vloggers”, similar to what professional journalists follow under the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and National Press Club (NPC) guidelines.
“Napapanahon na rin siguro na magbalangkas ang Kongreso at iba’t ibang organisasyon sa komunikasyon ng ‘Code of Ethics for Vloggers’,” Clavio wrote.
He cited the pressing need to combat the spread of fake news on social media, pointing out that many vloggers operate without accountability, unlike journalists who adhere to strict standards.
Clavio also enumerated the core ethical responsibilities that guide legitimate journalists, such as fairness, accuracy, protecting confidential sources, and avoiding defamation or bias.
