By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Stressing the role of media as “impartial watchdogs of government actions,” Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo on Monday (16 Dec 2024) called for amending Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, to exclude journalists from being signatories in the inventory of seized illegal drugs.
Tulfo, a former hard-hitting journalist, explained that involving journalists as witnesses could compromise their credibility and objectivity.
“Moreover, involving media representatives in law enforcement tasks raises concerns about their independence and neutrality. Journalists are meant to act as impartial watchdogs of government actions, holding public officials accountable from an objective stance,” Tulfo said in his privilege speech.
“It is imperative that we devolve this responsibility to more appropriate witnesses, who are already empowered under the law,” he added.
Tulfo further emphasized, “Media practitioners, who are civilians, are placed in potentially life-threatening situations when required to participate in such operations. Exposing them to these risks compromises not only their safety but also that of their families.”
Section 21 of RA 9165 already mandates the presence of Department of Justice representatives and barangay officials as witnesses in these processes. These individuals are better suited to ensure transparency and accountability in documenting confiscated drug-related items.
“We can further enhance existing safeguards to promote transparency without involving media personnel,” he concluded.
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