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Sen. Rodante Marcoleta —INQUIRER PHOTO/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate media on Thursday condemned in the “strongest possible sense” what it called dangerous, irresponsible, and reckless statements made by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta that members of the mainstream media were “bayaran,” or paid hacks.
“Marcoleta’s accusations against the press, if not supported by evidence, erode public trust in legitimate journalism and contribute to a climate of hostility against media practitioners simply doing their jobs,” reporters covering the Senate said in a statement.
They added that public officials like Marcoleta, who make serious allegations against journalists, must be responsible and present evidence “instead of just relying on inflammatory rhetoric that undermines democratic institutions,” especially amid a time of disinformation and political polarization.
