The arrest of DZRH justice beat reporter Misael “Boy” Gonzales could create a “chilling effect” on journalists covering courts and public officials, after he was taken into custody over a data privacy complaint tied to his report on a Manila City councilor accused of lascivious conduct involving a 17-year-old girl.
This was the warning of the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) Media Group, which stood by Gonzales who had reported on the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 4 against the councilor who was accused of acts of lasciviousness involving a minor.
The MBC Media Group said the report was based on an official court document, which was part of the public record and is central to responsible and accurate reporting on the justice system.
“As a justice beat reporter, Mr. Gonzales reported on the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila, Branch 4, following the Investigating Prosecutor’s determination of probable cause to file charges for acts of lasciviousness allegedly committed by an elected public official against a minor,” the company said.
“Mr. Gonzales’ report was based on an official court record—a document that forms part of the workings of the justice system and is central to accurate, responsible reporting,” it stressed.
The media organization stressed that it respects the justice system and recognizes that the issuance of a warrant of arrest is a judicial act arising from a court’s evaluation of probable cause under the Rules of Criminal Procedure.
However, the MBC Media Grouip warned that arresting a journalist for reporting on official court actions and records could have critical implications for press freedom and public accountability.
“Such enforcement actions risk creating a chilling effect—not only on Boy Gonzales, but on reporters covering the justice system and public accountability,” the statement said.
The MBC Media Group said it stands by Gonzales and affirmed DZRH’s commitment to ethical and responsible journalism, adding that it will pursue appropriate legal remedies while calling on authorities to ensure that enforcement of the law does not unduly restrain press freedom or the public’s right to know.
“MBC stands by our reporter and affirms DZRH’s commitment to ethical, responsible, and accurate journalism,” the company said.
“We call on the concerned authorities to ensure that all actions taken are consistent with the need for transparency, due process, and constitutional rights, and that the enforcement of any law does not result in undue restraint on the press or the public’s right to know, especially in matters involving alleged misconduct by elected officials,” it stressed.
