BOC Commissioner goes after bogus journalists

MANILA — Commissioner Alberto Lina wants an intensified campaign against bogus journalist covering the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“Only legitimate press members and groups shall be accredited,” Lina said.

Lina continued his predecessors’ media reform program to “ensure that only bona fide media professionals are allowed entry to the BOC premises at the Port of Manila.”

He added that application for media accreditation will be considered on a “case-to-case basis.”

Citing security reasons, Lina said that media people “are not authorized to enter any office other than the press office unless invited by the office head.”

He also warned that the media accreditation may be revoked for involvement in smuggling, violation of the Philippine Journalists Code of Ethics and allowing other people to use one’s press card, among others.