Group scores illegal members of media

CEBU - There are still pseudo-journalists and illegitimate members of the media who are using the profession for “their evil intention,” according to the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ).

“It could not be denied that some persons claiming to be mediamen have broken into this fourth estate, using the media for their evil intention,” CFBJ president Elias Baquero said.

Over 100 CFBJ members attended their 8th general membership meeting yesterday in connection with the celebration of the 14th Cebu Press Freedom Week.

The event, which was held yesterday at the conference hall of SM City Cebu, was sponsored by Coca Cola Philippines and SM City Cebu. 

But despite the presence of these illegitimate members, Baquero said the members of CFBJ remained steadfast and united.   The CFBJ is registered by the Security and Exchange Commission in 2005.

“Since its inception in 2005, we see a united media, a strong bonding and camaraderie among reporters in various beats,” Baquero said.

Baquero added that Cebu mediamen are one in promoting good journalism despite the competition in news gathering and in getting scoops for their respective organizations.  

“All these we owe to the publishers and editors of Sunstar-Cebu, The FREEMAN and Cebu Daily News, for whose constant guidance and mentoring. CFBJ was able to weather the attacks in the media both from within and outside,” he said.

The CFBJ is composed of legitimate groups – the Capitol Association of Reporters in Trimedia (CART), City Hall Association of Reporters in Media (CHARM), Sports Correspondents, Reporters and Editors (SCORE), Regional Journalists in Cebu (REJOICE), Cebu Economic Journalists Association (CEJA), Media Alliance for Law, Liberty, Equality and Truth (MALLET), Entertainment Group (E-Group), Association of Reporters in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in Truth and Equity (ARMALITE), Defense PNP Press Corps (DEPP), Metro Talisay (METRO) and LENS Group.

Part of the gathering was the oath taking of new CFBJ officials administered by Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) executive director Rey Hulog.

Baquero was once again elected as president with Dennis Tabar as vice president; Linette Ramos, secretary; Vincie Monterde, treasurer; Fred Languido, auditor; and Alex Badayos and Mike Limpag, sergeants-at-arms.

The new members of the board are Oscar Pineda, Irene Seno-Cruz, Antonio “Boy” Aguirre and Ryan Borinaga. — Garry B. Lao/LPM (THE FREEMAN)