MMDA exec’s Tokhang joke draws Palace warning

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar INQUIRER file photo / JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang will not tolerate “irresponsible and threatening” remarks aimed at members of the media, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in reaction to reports that an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had joked about journalists becoming targets of the controversial Oplan Tokhang antidrug campaign for writing reports critical of the agency.

In a statement on Saturday, Andanar said President Rodrigo Duterte had issued an administrative order creating a task force on media security, and that all government officials should be aware of this.

Andanar’s statement did not name any government official, but it was apparently referring to MMDA assistant general manager for planning Jojo Garcia.

Before the start of a press briefing on Wednesday, Garcia cracked a joke about reporters who come up with “negative” stories about the MMDA and quipped: “Where’s my .45 (caliber pistol)? …Ipa-Tokhang na natin ‘yan (Let’s get them through Tokhang).”

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said there were “no discussions yet” as of Saturday if sanctions would be imposed on Garcia. —Reports from Leila B. Salaverria and Jovic Yee