Politics · Philippines Bureau
Media group condemns 'veiled threats' against journalists covering Duterte trial
The International Association of Women in Radio and Television–Philippines has defended journalists' right to cover Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings, condemning what it characterizes as intimidatory tactics from the defense camp.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A leading broadcast journalists' organization has taken issue with what it views as implicit threats directed at media covering Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, reaffirming the press's constitutional right to report on the high-profile proceedings.
The International Association of Women in Radio and Television–Philippines (IAWRT) issued the statement on Tuesday following exchanges during cross-examination at the impeachment hearings. Defense counsel Mark Vinluan recited penalties under the Anti-Money Laundering Act while questioning prosecution witnesses, a move the media group interpreted as an indirect warning to journalists covering the case.
The group emphasized that reporting on impeachment proceedings—a matter of significant public interest—falls squarely within press freedom protections. IAWRT stressed that journalists must be able to discharge their duties without intimidation or interference, particularly when covering legal proceedings involving high-ranking government officials.
The incident underscores growing tensions surrounding the Vice President's trial, which has drawn intense media scrutiny since formal impeachment charges were filed. The case represents the first impeachment proceeding against a sitting Vice President in Philippine history.