Mindanao media complain of being shut out of Bangsamoro development forum

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Some members of the local media were barred from covering the Philippine Development Forum (PDF) on the Bangsamoro prior to the arrival of President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday morning.

The President was keynote speaker in the forum held inside the SMX Convention Center here.

Organizers of the PDF led by the Department of Finance decided to hold closed door cluster sessions starting Wednesday.

The local journalists, however, were shocked when members of the national media, who arrived very late, were allowed to enter the function room where Aquino delivered his speech.

Members of the local press wondered why the sessions were held behind closed doors. They were told that the two-day PDF was designed to be closed door and that only the President’s speech was open for coverage.

Some of the members of the media went home because they also wanted to cover the PDF sessions.

Worse, media persons who opted to stay waited for hours outside the venue of the program until Aquino arrived.

“I pity those who waited outside just to get a story. It is about time that we don’t cover these events. And I would berate any government official who would criticize us if it turns out the reports in the national media outlets are all about negative stories,” Carmelito Francisco, managing editor of local daily Mindanao Times, said in a post on Facebook after learning that their reporter was not allowed to enter the PDF venue.

Philippine Information Agency regional director Efren Elbanbuena and staff were among those who were not allowed to enter the venue.

The PDF was focused on the proposed projects and programs aimed at improving the Bangsamoro areas.

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