Judges, reporters discuss proper guidelines in covering the courts

CEBU, Philippines - To observe proper guidelines in covering the justice beat, judges and reporters yesterday held a consultative meeting at the sala of Branch 9 Judge Geraldine Faith Econg.

Among the concerns issued was the access of reporters to court records, to which several rules were mentioned.

RTC Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes said that the right of people to information in matters of public concern shall be recognized. “Access of official records, and to papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law, except for some sensitive issues such as the Violence against women and children, trafficking in persons, Juvenile Justice Law, Money Laundering Act and others.”

The meeting was called following the recent hearing of the parricide case against cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr., to which members of the media were not allowed to cover.

RTC Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras, who handles the case, explained that he had not barred the media from covering the case, saying there was just a misunderstanding between both parties.

Peras said that a list has been given to the side only for the attending parties of the prosecution and the defense but no list or orders were given for the media.

To solve the matter and to end the issue, Peras said that all reporters who will be covering the event will have to submit their names five days before the hearing so he could provide the security personnel the names of those who will be attending the hearing.

Fred Languido, a reporter of The FREEMAN and president of the Media Law Liberty and Equality, the organization of reporters in the justice beat, said that since the parricide case of Ecleo is a high profile case, media should be allowed to cover the whole proceedings so as the public will know what has been going on.

With regards to the holding of parties, like Christmas and birthday celebrations inside the Palace of Justice, court officials said it is already banned following last week’s incidence where some court personnel were allegedly drunk while on duty.

RTC Branch 58 Judge Gabriel Ingles said the discussion with reporters was held after the judges had their own executive meeting. —Jasmin R. Uy/WAB    (FREEMAN NEWS)