Suit of Cards: A Forum on Libel
The UP Journalism Club organized a forum entitled, “Suit of Cards: A Forum on Libel”, to cap off our 54th founding anniversary celebrated last January 26-31.
The forum served as an opportunity for mass communication students to learn about the perils of libel, not only in print but also on the internet, and precisely how to avoid it.
Our guest speakers included Mr. Isagani Yambot, the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s publisher; Ms. Marites Vitug, editor-in-chief of Newsbreak; Ms. Ellen Tordesillas, columnist for Malaya and Abante; Atty. Romel Regalado Bagares, executive director of the Center for International Law (CenterLaw); Ms. Rowena Paraan, head of research of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism; Mr. Beting Laygo Dolor, editor-in-chief of Prime Asia and Pinoy Global Access; and Mr. Abe Olandres, the blogger behind yugatech.com.
Atty. Romel Bagares acted as a legal service at the forum while explaining to us the elements of libel and the possible defenses against a libel case. Then the rest of the speakers had the time to share with us each of their libel cases, what their courses of action were, and even how much money they shelled out to settle their cases.
Afterward, Atty. Bagares spent time discussing the issue of decriminalizing libel and the differences between a criminal and a civil case. The speakers also shared their opinion on what they think about libel decriminalization in the country.
Lastly, the speakers lectured us about the role of company policy when a journalist is being sued for libel, what a journalist’s courses of action should be, which groups or organizations he or she can seek legal and financial support, and finally how to avoid libel and some other tips for aspiring media practitioners. Also, an open forum was held to give chance to students who had further questions to ask.
The forum was attended by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Journalism Guild, the Far Eastern University Advocate staff, and several organizations and journalism classes in the college.
The event was made possible with the support of Thorough Bread, Sanfo Treats and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.
