HINILING ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines sa pahayagang The Philippine Star na linawin ang dahilan kung bakit nito sinibak ang kolumnistang si Ramon Tulfo.
Sa isang statement na inilaban ng NUJP, kailangan umanong sumagot ang pahayagan lalo pa’t may mga usap-usapan at balita/column sa Manila Times na sinibak umano si Tulfo dahil sa na-offend nito si First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Narito ang buong pahayag ng NUJP:
“The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines notes the reported removal of columnist Mon Tulfo as an opinion writer for The Philippine Star with concern and apprehension.
“We urge the newspaper’s editorial board to clarify the circumstances of Tulfo’s removal from the opinion page, especially in light of rumors and a Manila Times column alleging it happened because he had offended First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
“While Philippine Star management may see this as an internal matter, it also involves editorial freedom in an increasingly captured press. Among those in media, columnists and opinion writers have the most leeway and almost have a license to offend in the public interest.
“To echo a point raised in the Manila Times column, if it can be done to Tulfo, it can be done to journalists who are not as famous.
“It is ironic and sad that allegations of management interference in editorial operations come as the nation prepares to mark another year since People Power 1, an event that supposedly restored democracy and freed the Philippine press.”
