In a stunning display of selective defense, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has once again showcased its acrobatic prowess by contorting its principles to fit the occasion. 

While NUJP has historically positioned itself as the knight in shining armor for press freedom, it seems that their armor comes with a blind spot when it comes to certain media outlets.

The recent suspension of two SMNI News programs by the MTRCB should have been a slam dunk for NUJP, the self-proclaimed guardians of journalistic integrity. However, in a surprising twist, NUJP appears to have developed amnesia, conveniently forgetting its advocacy for press freedom when it comes to the Pastor Quiboloy network. 

It seems that when Maria Ressa, Rappler and news media allies are in the ring, NUJP is all too eager to jump in, but when it’s SMNI News, they’ve suddenly developed a case of responsible journalism amnesia.

All of a sudden, NUJP is concerned about “hate speech,” as if Rappler and other mainstream news outlets’ use of “son of a dictator” during the last presidential elections is a love fest.

One can’t help but marvel at NUJP’s impressive gymnastics routine, effortlessly flipping its stance depending on the media outlet in question. 

Perhaps they’ve added a new discipline to their repertoire: synchronized selective outrage.