Dumaguete media slam new rules on airing text messages

DUMAGUETE CITY—Journalists in this city protested a proposed ordinance that seeks to regulate the airing of text messages, phone calls and comments posted on the Internet.

The Dumaguete Press Club Inc. called on the Negros Oriental Sangguniang Panlalawigan to archive the proposed ordinance, which the group said violated the Constitution.

In a statement, DCPI said it hoped that lawyers in the provincial board would recognize the proposed measure as unconstitutional.

Under the proposed ordinance, radio and TV broadcasters are prohibited from using unverified and anonymous text messages, phone calls and comments on the Internet that are perceived to be libelous.

Text messages, phone calls and web postings can only be aired provided the full name, address and cell phone number of the person sending the messages are verified first and made known to the public.

The proposed ordinance was passed on first reading last Tuesday and sponsored by Board Member Arnulfo Teves.

Bong Torino, anchor of radio station dyEM, said there was no need for the ordinance. “I believe that media practitioners in the city are professionals,” he said. Inquirer