Did Aiko Melendez Throw Shade After Her Strong Message About Fair Reporting
AIKO MELENDEZ – Netizens were quick to speculate after Aiko Melendez posted her thoughts on fairness, accountability, and objectivity in journalism.
Actress-politician Aiko Melendez recently shared a message about ethics in journalism and responsible communication, prompting discussions online and speculation from netizens about whether her statement was directed at veteran journalist Ces Drilon.
In a Facebook post, Aiko highlighted the importance of carrying the principles of responsible journalism, reflecting on her educational background and the lessons that continue to guide her today.
“People often ask me what course I finished in college. I graduated with a degree in Communication Arts major in Journalism from Philippine Women’s University,” Aiko began.
She continued, “Until now, dala-dala ko pa rin ang mga values at ethics na itinuro sa amin tungkol sa responsible communication and proper journalism.”
According to Aiko, one of the most important lessons she learned, especially when conducting interviews, is the importance of remaining unbiased.
“One important lesson I learned is that when interviewing someone or making a case study, an interviewer should never be biased. Personal opinions and personal feelings must be set aside.
“As journalists and communicators, our responsibility is to listen objectively, ask the right questions, and give our guests the chance to fully expound and share their side,” she said.
The actress and public official also emphasized the value of truth, fairness, accuracy, accountability, and respect in journalism and communication.
“Hindi dapat inuunahan ng judgment ang kwento ng isang tao. Every individual deserves to be heard fairly and respectfully before conclusions are made,” Aiko stated.
She further expressed her thoughts on the role of responsible communication in today’s environment.
“In a world full of noise and opinions, I still believe responsible communication matters. Listening with fairness is one of the greatest. Well at the end of the day kanya kanyang style naman yan basta never be offensive.”
In the comments section of her post, Aiko also discussed several ethical concerns in journalism, including fake news and misinformation, plagiarism, sensationalism, manipulated images or videos, invasion of privacy, bias in reporting, use of anonymous sources, and conflict of interest.
Many social media users later connected her post to the ongoing discussions surrounding Ces Drilon’s interview with Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, who currently serves as legal counsel for Bato.
However, Aiko clarified that her post was not intended to target or criticize anyone specifically.
“Huwag na po nating isama ang DDS, Pinklawan, o anumang kulay. I was simply basing my explanation on what I learned and what we were taught. General observation lamang po ito,” said the Quezon City councilor.
