Reporter, wife file charge vs city councilor

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A freelance reporter of a local radio station and his wife have filed a complaint against City Councilor Lilani Ramon for alleged violation of the confidentiality clause, under Section 44 of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

The complainants, Allan Gabucan (also known as Jack Agila over the radio) and his wife, both residents of Barangay Taclobo in this city, filed last October 16 before the City Prosecution Office the charge against Councilor Ramon, a resident of Barangay Calindagan in this city.

Gabucan said Wednesday the complaint stemmed from a radio program last month during which Councilor Ramon allegedly discussed on air, over Metro Dumaguete Banat, a radio program on Power 91 DyGB-FM, last September 5, between 5:10 to 5:40 p.m., a VAWC-related case involving the couple.

Ramon, as chairperson of the City Council's committee on women, is among those handling cases of this nature. In their complaint, the couple said they had already settled their differences amicably and are living harmoniously.

However, they claimed they were surprised to hear Ramon on air allegedly divulging their case without their consent, which prompted them to have it recorded in the police blotter.

The complainants further claimed to have obtained a copy of the voice recording of the program on which Ramon went on air.

Section 44 of R.A. 9262 on confidentiality states that all records pertaining to case of violence against women and their children, including those in the barangay, shall be confidential and all public officers and employees and public or private clinics or hospitals shall respect the right to privacy of the victim.

Further, "whoever publishes or causes to be published in any format the name, address, telephone number, school, business, address, employer, or other identifying information of a victim or an immediate family member without the latter's consent shall be liable to the contempt power of the court", the complaint stated. — Judy Flores Partlow (FREEMAN)