[Trending Now] Alunan slams media for ‘malicious’ reporting: Freedom of the press is not freedom to destroy

Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Rafael Alunan II have expressed great concern regarding the media's liability in regards sparking up controversy between President Rodrigo Duterte and US President Barack Obama before the ASEAN summit on Monday.

Alunan said the media should be held liable for almost causing the country's diplomatic relation with US due to their "malicious" reporting in regards the President's remarks that were taken out of context.

"The media that went to town saying that Du30 [Duterte] insulted Pres BHO [Barack Hussein Obama] should be singled out and sanctioned for malice and placing the country’s diplomatic relations with the U.S. at risk," Alunan said on his Facebook post.

He said the media should be blacklisted for sabotaging Duterte.

"They are saboteurs working under the influence that ought to be blacklisted. Freedom of the press is not freedom to destroy. The latter deserves appropriate action in order to deliver unforgettable life lessons and alter behavior."

He also expressed his concern over how the media should be handled to avoid the same commotion some time in the future.

"I hasten to add that all senior officials should undergo a seminar on how to deal with the press, and how press cons and interviews should be managed or handled. First rule, never get baited. Instead be the master baiter."

Due to the reports that many insists were taken out of context, US President Barack Obama cancelled the bilateral meeting that was long scheduled. However, on Duterte's part, the tough-talking President have humbled himself and sincerely apologized clarifying that it was not meant as an insult to Obama.

Source: TNP, KickerDaily