‘Journalists are not the story’ – RAPPLER – Philippine News | Multimedia | Citizen Journalism | Social Media.

January 27, 2012

 MANILA, Philippines – Veteran journalist and Rappler editor at large Marites Dañguilan-Vitug on Friday, January 27, rejected a prosecution request for her to testify at the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

On Friday, a press release from the prosecution team announced that they have invited as witnesses 4 journalists, among others.

Aside from Vitug, the prosecution said they will also be summoning to the witness stand the following journalists: Criselda Yabes and Raissa Robles, both freelancers, and Ina Reformina, a reporter of ABS-CBN.

In her letter to lead prosecutor Rep. Niel Tupas, Vitug said: “I am surprised to learn that I am listed as one of the prosecution’s witnesses for Article 7. I have repeatedly explained to your colleagues that I am not going to testify in the impeachment trial. All my works are public and they speak for themselves. And, of course, you know that confidential sources is another matter.”

She added: “Journalists are NOT the story. We tell the story. We merely chronicle our country’s comings and goings in the best way we can. This is how we serve the country.”

Vitug, Yabes, and Robles were speciflcally called to “testify among others on the close personal relationship between Corona and GMA and other allegations contained in the Verified Complaint, and other pleadings filed by complainants, and other matters relevant to the instant case,” according to the press release.

Read full article @ www.rappler.com