Nalzaro suspension saddens Agnes

CEBU, Philippines - Acting Governor Agnes Magpale expressed sadness over the decision of Sun.Star daily to temporary suspend columnist Bobby Nalzaro.

Magpale said that she was disheartened to know that a columnist who is very independent has been suspended for writing columns tackling the cases of suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who is a first cousin of the chairman of the board of the newspaper, Jesus “Sonny” Garcia.

Nalzaro is a known critic of Garcia and has written columns against the governor as well as talks about the issue in his radio program.

Democrito Barcenas, former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Cebu City and spokesman of the Liberal Party-Cebu also criticized the newspaper for suspending Nalzaro.

“There is an assault of the freedom of the press,” said Barcenas, who added media outlets should not curtail the rights of media personnel as their responsibility is to be fair.

Sun.Star editor-in-chief, Isolde Amante, said while they understand the concerns of those who criticize them, they cannot be accused of being unfair.

Amante said that Barcenas in particular should know that they are fair in publishing opinions as they also publish his letters sent to the paper.

As for Nalzaro, Amante said that the decision to temporarily suspend his columns was met on and decided by the board and is subject for review.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Nalzaro said that he understands the verdict of the management to suspend him until the Capitol conflict is cleared.  He explained that he is not saying that the paper is being used but understands that it is out of showing respect to the elders of the family.

“This is not a fight anymore of the Governor Garcia, it is of the entire Garcia clan,” he said.

Nalzaro said that he cannot speak for the management as to when or if he will return to write for the paper but clarified that he is not severing ties with the newspaper.

Nalzaro also clarified that he never asked for the sympathy of his colleagues or of the public but is thankful for the concern extended to him.

But Ike Durano, a columnist of Superbalita, the tabloid paper of Sun.Star, said that he will be resigning from the paper since he feels that his freedom as a member of the press is being curtailed.

He explained that although he was not told to moderate his criticisms in his columns, he said that his submitted columns concerning Governor Garcia have been toned down.

Durano said that his columns have always been on current issues. He also said that it was only his columns on Garcia that were changed.

Michelle So, the editor-in-chief of Superbalita, said that they were not informed yet by Durano that he will be resigning from the paper.

“Regarding his allegation, no columnist or editor is above editing,” she said.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)