ABS-CBN broadcast journalists RG Cruz and Karen Davila refuted the claims on Tuesday, March 22, saying that the latter has endorsed Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr as her president.
Davila was spotted in a UniTeam caravan in Cavite, leading to the speculations that she was a Marcos supporter.
However, her colleague Cruz explained that she was there to cover the caravan to fulfill their duty of providing information to the public and not show support to a politician.
https://twitter.com/RG_Cruz12479/status/1506192068753850368
He then pointed out that journalists “immerse” themselves and “tail newsmakers” to create a credible and reliable story.
https://twitter.com/RG_Cruz12479/status/1506192072839077889
Cruz then expressed his disappointment to the people who were avid fans of “cancel culture.”
https://twitter.com/RG_Cruz12479/status/1506192074613276675
He continued that being selective in their profession is not “real journalism”; all facts must be presented to the public.
https://twitter.com/RG_Cruz12479/status/1506195306223837190
Journalists are non-partisan, Cruz said.
https://twitter.com/RG_Cruz12479/status/1506195309742854147
Saddened by being stereotyped as “biased,” Cruz pointed out that journalists are covering “all sides” of a story and not just one.
https://twitter.com/RG_Cruz12479/status/1506203360407408640
He even stressed that journalists would “criticize and fact-check” anyone.
https://twitter.com/RG_Cruz12479/status/1506219587846619138
Davila clarified that she is not endorsing Marcos or anyone in this election. The explanation as to why she was in the BBM caravan was to shoot for ABS-CBN’s “Kampanya Serye On The Road and Presidential Interviews.”
ABSCBN’s Kampanya Serye On The Road & Presidential Intvws shoots today. I have been assigned to trail Presidential Aspirants Bongbong Marcos & Sen Manny Pacquiao.
Henry Omaga Diaz is covering VP Leni Robredo & my co-anchors have been assigned to other candidates. #Halalan2022 pic.twitter.com/AZZkXd0g9c
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) March 22, 2022
Before her schedule with Marcos Jr, she even shared a behind-the-scenes interview with presidential bet, Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
Eto po ang resibo sana huwag magkalat ng fake news. Finished my one on one w Sen Manny Pacquiao a few nights ago, will still be joining him on a sortie soon.
Today, I am with former Sen Bongbong Marcos for the day. Watch out for the ABSCBN SPECIALS #Halalan2022 soon! pic.twitter.com/2Y3Df5Cc67
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) March 22, 2022
According to the Philippine Press Institute, a journalist must “avoid paid or unpaid work for a politician or political organization, and should not hold public office or accept appointment to any political position for which there is remuneration other than expenses.”
