NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NUJP Warns Against Paid Coverage Amid Allegations Against Broadcasters
Photo credit: NUJP
MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Sunday, August 24, reminded media practitioners that soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or any form of compensation in exchange for favorable coverage undermines journalism and erodes public trust in the profession.
The statement comes in the wake of allegations that veteran broadcasters Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao were involved in so-called “pay-for-play” arrangements. NUJP stressed, however, that these allegations have yet to be substantiated.
“Soliciting and accepting money, gifts and other forms of compensation in exchange for favorable coverage threatens editorial independence,” the group said. “It also erodes trust in our profession and in its practitioners and plays into the narrative that journalism can be bought and sold.”
Common but Unethical Practice
NUJP acknowledged that solicitation and undisclosed paid content remain common in the industry. In some cases, it said, journalists resort to these practices to supplement meager pay, as many are compensated at minimum wage or less.
“In some newsrooms, media workers are forced to seek advertisers and sponsors for their salaries or are forced by circumstance to augment their pay with ‘allowances’ and ‘gas money’ for coverage,” the group noted. Others take on public relations work for politicians, government agencies, or corporations to make ends meet, NUJP added.
The union stressed, however, that these financial realities do not justify unethical conduct. “We note these realities not to excuse practices that violate the Journalists’ Code of Ethics adopted in 1988, but to provide context as to why some colleagues find themselves in ethical dilemmas and at the mercy of political and business interests,” NUJP said.
Call to Action
NUJP urged journalists to revisit ethical guidelines and reaffirm professional standards. It also called on news managers to ensure fair compensation for media workers, saying that ethical practice becomes difficult when journalists’ basic needs are unmet.
“Difficult as it is, we cannot take pride in calling ourselves journalists without adhering to the basic standards and guiding principles of the profession,” the group said.
The NUJP said it is committed to working with media organizations and press freedom groups to promote a safer, fairer, and more ethical practice of journalism in the country.
The statement comes in the wake of allegations that veteran broadcasters Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao were involved in so-called “pay-for-play” arrangements. NUJP stressed, however, that these allegations have yet to be substantiated.
“Soliciting and accepting money, gifts and other forms of compensation in exchange for favorable coverage threatens editorial independence,” the group said. “It also erodes trust in our profession and in its practitioners and plays into the narrative that journalism can be bought and sold.”
Common but Unethical Practice
NUJP acknowledged that solicitation and undisclosed paid content remain common in the industry. In some cases, it said, journalists resort to these practices to supplement meager pay, as many are compensated at minimum wage or less.
“In some newsrooms, media workers are forced to seek advertisers and sponsors for their salaries or are forced by circumstance to augment their pay with ‘allowances’ and ‘gas money’ for coverage,” the group noted. Others take on public relations work for politicians, government agencies, or corporations to make ends meet, NUJP added.
The union stressed, however, that these financial realities do not justify unethical conduct. “We note these realities not to excuse practices that violate the Journalists’ Code of Ethics adopted in 1988, but to provide context as to why some colleagues find themselves in ethical dilemmas and at the mercy of political and business interests,” NUJP said.
Call to Action
NUJP urged journalists to revisit ethical guidelines and reaffirm professional standards. It also called on news managers to ensure fair compensation for media workers, saying that ethical practice becomes difficult when journalists’ basic needs are unmet.
“Difficult as it is, we cannot take pride in calling ourselves journalists without adhering to the basic standards and guiding principles of the profession,” the group said.
The NUJP said it is committed to working with media organizations and press freedom groups to promote a safer, fairer, and more ethical practice of journalism in the country.
Aug 25, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
