The National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP)-Iloilo Chapter condemns the apparent harassment and direct attack against four broadcasters of radio station DYRI RMN-Iloilo through the libel cases filed by Department of Education (DepEd)-6 regional director Ramil Uytico.
Uytico filed four separate libel complaints against Israel Vincent “Don” Dolido, Henry Lumawag, Novie Guazo, and Regan Arlos before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Feb. 7, 2024.
He claimed that the broadcasters committed libel under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Among others, Uytico accused the media practitioners of ruining his person, demeaned his honor, and tarnishing his reputation with insulting invectives.
The libel case against the four stemmed from their commentaries on their respective radio programs on Uytico.
The subject of commentaries, including Uytico’s performance as agency head, are legitimate issues of public significance and therefore subject to reportage and opinion.
We maintain that the right to free expression and press freedom is paramount especially when it involves public officials and the exercise of their functions.
The media has a vital role to play in conveying information to the public and in holding those in power accountable.
We believe that this case is another proof how public officials use libel as a weapon to harass, intimidate and silence journalists.
As a government official, Uytico has a responsibility to be open to criticism and to confront the problems and questions that arise.
By suing journalists for doing their jobs, Uytico isn’t just silencing the media, he is denying the public the right to know.
