The Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) has expressed concern over the denial of the press accreditation of Hataw reporter Rose Novenario by the Office of the Press Secretary.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, in an August 9, 2022 letter to Hataw Managing Editor Gloria Galuno, cited that the decision to refuse accreditation to Novenario to cover President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Palace briefings and events was due to “conduct unbecoming” supposedly exhibited by the journalist.
“Ms. Novenario’s negative actions and attitude towards the officials of the Office of the Press Secretary may influence others. Her name calling of several officials is blatant show [of] disrespect to authorities,” Angeles said, noting that ‘screenshots’ of her messages to the Malacanang Press Corps were proof of the journalist’s violations. She did not elaborate.
“While we understand that the people’s right to information is vital to nation building, we cannot tolerate unruly behavior that may have a detrimental effect to the people around her,” she continued.
Angeles however said the news outfit may resubmit its application for another journalist.
In a statement, the MPC urged the OPS to clearly state Novenario’s alleged violations as well as the circumstances that led to the denial of her accreditation, noting that journalists covering Malacanang ‘need clear cut rules on what is deemed as an unacceptable behavior.’
Despite the ban, the MPC said Novenario will remain a member of their group.
The group will also “continue to exhaust measures to address the issue, taking into account the need to balance the role of journalists to report independently and to ensure proper decorum in the performance of such a duty.”
In a committee hearing, was asked by Senator Raffy Tulfo regarding the recent denial of accreditation.
“She was complaining the actions of our Undersecretary or the Assistant Secretary and calling them ‘itong mga baklang ito’—I can forward the records of these to the office of Senator Tulfo if he’ll allow, that said that if the recommendation of our legal affairs has been submitted, I’ll forward those also to you,” Cruz-Angeles said.
Cruz-Angeles also presented to the committee her presentation of the OPS activities and responsibilities as such discussing also the official roles of each department and offices under the OPS.