IT is just too unbelievable how Peoples Journal and Peoples Journal Tonight (PJT), which are former reputable tabloids, have suddenly turned into nothing but a rumor mill and a brazen violator of all known journalism ethics.
Just recently, the said tabloids came out with totally fake news, saying newly-elected Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has offered top city government posts in the city legal office and the office of senior citizens affairs respectively, to her erstwhile rivals, Alex Lopez and Amado Bagatsing.
While there was no way that we would have learned about it since the two tabloids are said to be actually no longer in circulation, the articles were posted in the viber group “Honey Lacuna 2022” by a certain Jon2 Reyes, several times.
This was reported by our staff and we asked the public information office if Mayor-elect Honey granted any interview saying such. Even Mayor Honey herself denied having issued such statement.
Firstly, she is out of the country. She fled to the US to attend her daughter’s graduation.
Secondly, there is no way that she would offer the two any such posts because we have more than enough competent men to handle such posts, should they ever become vacant. The tabloid apparently is also unaware that defeated candidates are not allowed to hold office for a period of one year.
Thirdly, she never gave any interview and has not met Reyes on any occasion.
We recently learned that even prior to and during the campaign period, the said tabloids have been publishing fake news and fake surveys in favor of Mayor-elect Honey’s rivals, specifically Mr. Lopez.
Now that the elections are over and Mayor Honey registered an overwhelming lead even with the votes of all her opponents combined, the black propaganda waged by the said tabloids continue. For how many thousands of reasons, only its editor, identified as Ma. Teresa Lardizabal and Mr. Reyes would know.
Putting words into the mouth of the newly-elected Mayor Lacuna just to create a good image for Mr. Lopez and Mr. Bagatsing smacks of utter disregard for what is just and right and utter disrespect for Mayor Honey and the office she represents.
I have been friends with the Journal’s late editor-in-chief Gus Villanueva. Under his rein, the two tabloids, specially PJT enjoyed credibility and respectability but since he got sick with COVID-19, the said tabloid had sunk to all-time low. When he died, things have turned for the worst and the paper had lost not only its readership but entire credibility.
They have virtually gone to the dogs and have been reduced to nothing but a manufacturer of fake news. Whoever took over the work of Gus is responsible for all these and for whatever consequences such wanton disregard for respect may bring.
From being reputable before, the said tabloids now have gone too low, as a propagator of fake news, just to favor of a mayoral candidate who happens to be a sore loser.
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(Comments and suggestions may be emailed to peoplestonightonline@gmail.com.)
