A city councilor has called on journalists from Manila-based media outlets to practice responsible reporting, following the dissemination of false information linking the Davao City Civil Registrar’s Office to “alleged” illegal birth registrations in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, in a privilege speech on Tuesday, said several media outlets, including Manila Bulletin, Politiko, DZMM Teleradyo, News5, Bombo Radyo Philippines, DWRB 103.9 News FM, and K5 National/International News, have “irresponsibly cited the Davao City Civil Registrar’s Office in their reports regarding the alleged illegal registration of Chinese nationals in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.”
He said that as a former member of the media, he believes that journalism is a noble profession, rooted in accountability, truth, and public service.
He also expressed his disappointment over the spread of fake news “which not only distorts reality but also erodes public trust and confidence in credible institutions.”
“Responsible Reporting is to inform, not mislead; to enlighten, not confuse,” Ocampo said.
He said the Davao City Civil Registrar’s Office has no jurisdiction over registrations outside of Davao City and that no employee from the said office has been implicated in the case.
He also noted that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 11 – Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office has filed charges against employees of Sta. Cruz town before the Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao, confirming that no employee from the Davao City Civil Registrar’s Office has been implicated.
Ocampo underscored the lingering damage caused by misinformation, noting that once released, fake news is hard to completely take back and continues to sow confusion and distrust among the public.
“This false association with our office remains a misrepresentation of facts that must be continuously corrected,” he said.
He reminds everyone that disseminating false information, particularly when it defames individuals or institutions carries out legal consequences.
He also called on media organizations to exercise due diligence in verifying facts before publication and urged Dabawenyos to remain vigilant by verifying news sources and reporting instances of misinformation. CIO
