NUJP: ‘Oust Duterte plot’ matrix is ‘hogwash’
MANILA, Philippines — The matrix supposedly identifying individuals involved in a plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte is “hogwash,” according to an organization of journalists.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the way the matrix was presented in a story published in The Manila Times showed “unethical and amateurish writing” as it failed to explain how the matrix was made.
“It would, in fact, be funny if the implications of his slanderous naming of journalists and human rights lawyers supposedly involved in this fictitious plot weren’t so dire,” it added.
One proof that the matrix was “hogwash,” according to the NUJP, was the inclusion of former NUJP chair and former Times editor Inday Espina Varona under the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).
“In fact, proof that the matrix, the source, and the story are hogwash is the fact that former NUJP chair – AND former Times editor – Inday Espina Varona is listed in the matrix as among National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) members. She is neither a lawyer nor connected to the NUPL,” it noted.
The group was reacting to the matrix that linked media organizations and journalists to the destabilization efforts against President Duterte and his administration.
Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the “Oust-Duterte plot “matrix, which was first published in the Manila Times, was the same information the Palace was supposed to release Monday.
READ: Palace confirms existence of ‘Oust-Duterte plot’
Among the groups included in the matrix were media outfits Rappler, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Vera Files, and NUPL.
Rappler Chief Executive Officer Maria Ressa said that the release of the matrix is one way for the government to manipulate the public.
READ: Rappler’s Ressa: ‘Oust-Duterte plot’ is admin’s way to manipulate public
NUPL, meanwhile, slammed the publication of the matrix and described it as “putrid garbage” and “not worth the paper it is written on.” /ee
READ: NUPL says ‘Oust Duterte’ plot is ‘putrid rubbish’
