Lawmaker backs down as reporter stands ground on sources

The reporter who broke the story on the alleged P440-million bribe for lawmakers to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Christine Herrera. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

A LAWMAKER backed down on his threat to cite a reporter for contempt after the media worker stood her ground and refused to reveal the sources of a series of news articles exposing the alleged bribery to members of the House of Representatives to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. withdrew his motion to cite Christine Herrera in contempt after the reporter delivered a statement that stressed the protection given to her by the law to stop anyone from forcing her to reveal her sources.

“I am entitled to invoke Republic Act 53 as amended by Republic Act 1477 also known as the Shield Law or Sotto Law to refuse to reveal the identities of my sources premediated upon the protection of the freedom of expression and aimed at promoting freedom of information to encourage intelligence discourse,” Herrera told lawmakers on Tuesday.

She continued, “To take away the last vestiges of this protection will result in chilling effect of the freedom of the press sanctioned by the Constitution. To reveal the identities of my sources against their wishes is tantamount to betrayal of confidence by my valued informants. As journalist I cannot overemphasize our reliance on this protection on hard-hitting and controversial news reports.”

She said the journalism profession remained a dangerous job in the country.

“When we break controversial stories, we put not only our name on the line but also our lives. In the Aquino administration, we have lost 32 journalists whose murders remained unsolved. Ours is a dangerous profession to practice these days,” Herrera said.

Barzaga tried to lead Herrera into identifying whatever information about her sources. But Herrera kept on citing the Sotto law to protect her informants.

Barzaga asked the reporter if she had wanted to interview him about his involvement in the bribery. Herrera said she never bothered because Barzaga had already denied it in other reports and vowed that he would resign if proven that he received payola.

“I think I have defended my position. And considering the admission that she did not talk to me, I would no longer be pursuing my motion to cite her in contempt,” Barzaga said.

“I have done more on what I should do as a legislator and as a member of this House,” he added.

Barzaga was calmer compared to the previous hearing on June 9, when he threatened Herrera with contempt charges if she refused to name the sources of her stories that claimed that fugitive Chinese national Wang Bo gave P440 million to pay off 292 lawmakers to favor the BBL.

“This is a very serious accusation affecting the very institution! I would move that Mrs. Herrera be cited in contempt until she provides the information of congressman and high officials!” Barzaga then shouted at Herrera who broke down in tears.

But the reporter then refused to be swayed by the congressman’s fury.

“I stand by what I have written in my articles. They are based on credible sources and solid evidence. I (exerted) efforts to verify and corroborate the story before submitting for publication,” Herrera said.

Her reports said bags of cash were unloaded at the rear entrance of the House of Representatives and these were taken to the office of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The report said the CCTV footage of the incident that supposedly occurred from May 25 to 27 had been overwritten.

Herrera quoted US President Barack Obama about freedom of the press.

“‘A society who represses journalists ultimately represses the people.’ I brought out the basic principle which is that a free press is a foundation for a democracy. We rely on journalists to explain the actions if the government. If the government controls the journalist then it’s very difficult for citizens to hold government accountable,” Herrera said.

Herrera’s articles also claimed that Wang Bo paid the Bureau of Immigration (BI) P100 million to secure his release after the agency initially ordered his deportation.

The allegations of bribery came as Immigration Associate Commissioners Gilberto Repizo and Abdullah Mangotara blocked the deportation of Wang Bo, who was ordered deported by BI chief Siegfred Mison.

Repizo and Mangotara have denied any wrongdoing or of taking any bribe.

The report said the bribe money would be used for the campaign funds of the Liberal Party. Herrera had said Repizo and Mangotara were “the boys” of Liberal Party Treasurer Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali Jr.

Wang Bo is reportedly wanted in China for embezzling $100 million and is suspected of opening casinos for transnational gambling.