MANILA, Philippines – In a landmark move, the House panel has taken decisive action against Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, a prominent figure associated with Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), by citing him in contempt for his refusal to reveal the source of false information regarding Speaker Martin Romualdez’s travel expenses. Celiz, a former communist, will be detained until the committee’s report is adopted at the plenary.
During the House Committee on Legislative Franchises hearing on Tuesday, December 5, Celiz openly referred to the panel as a “kangaroo court” and invoked his constitutional right to remain silent. “I will refuse to answer, your Honor, not because I disrespect this committee, but I invoke my right guaranteed by the Constitution because I believe this committee cannot be above the law, especially the Constitution,” Celiz asserted during the hearing.
His refusal to cooperate and repeated refusal to name his source offended lawmakers, who highlighted his lack of respect for the committee. Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel warned Celiz of the potential consequences, stating, “We do not want to cite our resource person for contempt…. Ka Eric, please respect this committee and observe proper decorum.”
Last week, the House committee on legislative franchises summoned SMNI and its talents, Celiz and co-anchor Lorraine Badoy, for a probe after they aired unverified information on Romualdez’s travel spending during a live show. The alleged P1.8-billion travel expenses were a mere P4.347 million, a significant discrepancy revealed during the House probe.
Celiz had claimed that a source from the Senate provided the information, but he adamantly refused to disclose the identity of this informant. Even when Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco suggested an executive session to encourage Celiz to reveal his source, the SMNI anchor staunchly resisted, citing potential dangers for media practitioners.
“That would be very dangerous for other media practitioners present here because it will create a very dangerous and negative precedent on the protection of sources provided by law,” Celiz argued.
Celiz’s stance aligns with Republic Act No. 11458, also known as the Sotto law, which grants journalists the right to protect and keep their sources confidential. The tension between press freedom and accountability to prevent the spread of misinformation is evident in this case.
The House committee’s decision to jail Celiz sends a strong message about the consequences of spreading fake news and the importance of upholding journalistic integrity. As the proceedings continue, the nation watches closely, contemplating the delicate balance between protecting journalistic sources and preventing the manipulation of information that could potentially harm public figures and institutions.