The statement of VP Sara Duterte was accordingly “straight out of a dictator’s playbook.”
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) fired back after VP Sara Duterte criticized the Philippine media.
Based on a previous article, Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the state of Philippine journalism, saying its quality falls far behind international media. This was a statement she made during her speech at The Hague, Netherlands, on July 30, 2026.
She expressed her disappointment at how some local media outlets cover stories, including their family. According to her, their family found it hard to move forward while the PH media continues to portray them in a negative manner.
“Kung makita mo ang international media, kung paano sila mag-present ng balita, kung paano sila naghahanap ng mga bagay o mga aktibidad o mga pangyayari na ibabalita, napakalayo ng kalidad ng journalism sa ibang bansa ikumpara sa atin sa Pilipinas,” Duterte said.
Recently, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has reacted and taken offense over the criticism from the vice president, accusing her of using rhetoric that could undermine the credibility of the independent press. The NUJP issued a statement after Duterte publicly questioned the quality of journalism in the country and suggested that some media organizations prioritize financial interests over truth.
The organization said that while journalists can make mistakes, it is unfair to judge the entire media industry based on them and ignore those who follow professional standards.
The statement read, “By denigrating Philippine media, Sara is unleashing one of tactics straight out of a dictator’s playbook: controlling information by demonizing the independent press and weaponizing social media for her propaganda.”
NUJP also defended the track record of Filipino journalists, stressing the international recognition received by members of the Philippine press for their reporting and investigative work. With this being said, the statement furthered that attacks against the media should not discredit the outstanding contributions of journalists who continue to work despite challenges.
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