Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate has called on the House of Representatives’ leadership to reconsider the draft rules cracking down on reporters who “besmirch the reputation” of its members. “It seems that there is an intensifying trend in the Duterte administration to control, even muzzle the media, especially now that its approval ratings are going down,” Zarate said. Revocation groundsUnder the draft rules prepared by the House Press and Public Affairs Bureau, the press card of an accredited reporter may be revoked “if the bearer besmirches the reputation of the House of Representatives, its officials or members.”Other grounds for revocation of credentials include: false claims, involvement in activities that violate House policies, abuse of privileges and entitlements extended to accredited media, gross misconduct and other similar misdeeds. The draft rules would also restrict the conduct of on-the-spot interviews with House members and guests in the House lobby. —Vince F. NonatoADVERTISEMENT

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 29, 2018 21:22 UTC