ICP Official Statement Regarding ‘Chemist’ in Marijuana Raid TV Report by GMA News

Below is a copy of the official letter sent to the relevant personalities of GMA News Network for their unfair depiction of chemists in one of their TV reports aired last 13 July 2017. A copy of this letter may be downloaded at this link.

 

Mr. FELIPE L. GOZON, Chairman of the Board
Mr. GILBERTO R. DUAVIT, President
Mr. JAEMARK TORDECILLA, Editor-in-Chief
GMA News

 

Dear Sirs,

On behalf of the Philippine Chemistry community, I wish to express our profound disappointment regarding your irresponsible use of the term “chemist” of the drug raid titled “Tsongkilate” which aired by GMA News last July 13, 2017.

It was clear from the coverage that the person who was apprehended was NOT a chemist. Such irresponsible use of terms belies a lack of appreciation for truth and accuracy of news reporting.

Chemistry is a very difficult and demanding subject and the country badly needs more Chemists to keep our competitiveness, support public safety and ensure a clean environment. Your thoughtless and incorrect use of the term damages this important profession and paints Chemists as drug pushers and criminals. Would parents encourage their children to take up this subject given your very negative news coverage? This news item has done a great disservice to Chemistry, a discipline and profession that the country needs to strengthen.

We ask GMA News to correct this error and to refrain from committing such irresponsible statements in the future.

Thank you.

Yours truly,

 

(signed) Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit
President

Posted in Advisory.