The Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on Friday strongly objected to the Presidential Communications Office’s (PCO) request to replace a NET 25 reporter assigned to cover Palace events, calling the move a "clear overreach" of the agency’s authority.
In a formal letter to the PCO, the MPC expressed “grave concern” over the request to replace Eden Santos, a veteran journalist from NET 25, following an alleged breach of security protocol during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appearance at a drug destruction event in Capas, Tarlac on 25 June.
"The officers questioned the supposed protocol breach used as basis in requesting for a member’s replacement and firmly opposed such a course of action. The 'request' was a clear overreach of the PCO's authority," the MPC said in a statement.
"While the officers recognize the need to ensure the President’s safety and well-being, it should never be at the expense of the freedom of the press to tell stories that go beyond photo opportunities, press releases, and rehearsed sound bites," it added.
The press corps said it remains hopeful the matter will be resolved in a way that balances presidential security with the need for an independent press.
The PCO’s request stemmed from an incident where Santos allegedly approached the President twice outside of the designated media area during the event.
PCO Assistant Secretary for Media Affairs and Relations Erelson Cabatbat, a former journalist, cited the breach in a letter addressed to NET 25 News Chief Paul Padua, dated 27 June 2025.
“Strict courtesy and decorum dictate that when covering the President, a certain distance should be observed at all times,” Cabatbat wrote. “Sadly, this is not the first time that Santos has violated this rule.”
Cabatbat said the PCO would also reprimand other reporters who reportedly violated the same protocols.
“It is in this light that we respectfully request that a new reporter be assigned to cover the President and the other government agencies inside Malacañang,” he said.
The MPC, however, pushed back, emphasizing that editorial independence and media access must not be compromised.
“Although the government and the media have clashing objectives and journalists have different ways of performing their roles, all our decisions should be guided by rationality,” the MPC added.
“Prudence should always be our watchword.”