NUJP slams Sara Duterte for disparaging news groups, touting social media

MANILA, Philippines – The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Sunday, August 2, criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her remarks that denigrated Philippine news organizations and promoted social media as an alternative. Duterte stated that Philippine news organizations fell short of international standards and accused them of "worshipping money." She said, "Unfortunately, if we continue worshipping money, there won’t be any real change happening in our country. Whether in journalism, in mainstream media, or in other aspects of our country." She also praised social media and its use as an alternative platform for helping people see "the truth." This comes at a time when disinformation continues to thrive on various social media platforms. In its statement, the NUJP said that by denigrating the media, "Sara is unleashing one of tactics straight out of a dictator’s playbook: controlling information and demonizing the independent press and weaponizing social media for her propaganda." The NUJP recalled that the Philippine media has borne the attacks of Duterte-era leadership, and a number of them garnered awards and recognition from the international community because of their reporting. It also pointed out that social media is far from being a platform for truth as misinformation and disinformation is prioritized by social media algorithms, and lies, as a result, spread faster than truth. The NUJP says it is "outrageous for the vice president to generalize and insult the work of many brave and honest journalists in the Philippines who stand firm in their commitment to report on the truth despite threats to their lives and safety." "If only Sara paid more attention to standards of governance and leadership instead of scapegoating the media, she would have avoided the predicament she is now facing before the Senate impeachment court." – Rappler.com