July 15, 2007
THE ILOCOS TIMES - NEWS

Curtailing press freedom?
LC vice mayor wants no interview during session recess

Laoag City Vice Mayor Eddie P. Domingo has requested members of the local tri-media to refrain from interviewing members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during recess of council sessions as a matter of discipline.

Domingo made the request during Chairman’s Time in the last regular session of the city council.

The request however was immediately challenged by Councilor Vicentito M. Lazo who said the vice mayor’s proposal is a curtailment of the freedom of speech.

He also asked Domingo what would be his sanctions in case he violates the vice mayor’s request.

“Does the Sanggunian has jurisdiction over me during break time? Certainly not. What if I just sit here?” Lazo said.

The second-term council member also compared the conduct of a regular session at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan where he sits as an ex-officio member by virtue of his being the president of the Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL)-Laoag City-Ilocos Norte Chapter.

He said the provincial board allows members of the press to hold interviews of board members during recess.

Councilor Joseph Tamayo agreed with Lazo’s opinion but he also suggested that press interview be held outside the session hall or at the councilors’ respective cubicles.

Lazo however opposed Tamayo’s suggestion as he explained that provincial board members have no cubicles at the Capitol and they simply entertain interviewers at their respective seats.

Neophyte Councilor Francis Dacuycuy also reacted to the issue saying what he understands from the presiding officer’s statement was not necessarily a curtailment of freedom of expression but refers to a certain time during session wherein members of the media could do the interview.

After the discussions, Domingo withdrew his proposal but asked members of the media to keep their interviews orderly.

“In the first place, there was no curtailment that is being injected in my statement but it is only a matter of discipline that the chair would like you to observe,” Domingo said.

Earlier, Domingo also suggested that members of the press attending sessions should also pin their identification cards.

Dominic B. dela Cruz

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