SAMAL, Davao del Norte — Members of the City Council of the Island Garden City of Samal wanted a group of islanders to first reveal the real names of members before it could cover live online the Tuesday sessions.
The group on Facebook called “Samal Watch” requested the City Council for an access to cover live the city council sessions.
Samal Watch representative Gie-Arr Valdez on Tuesday’s session expounded the group’s objective that is anchored on giving information to more than 10,000 members and residents of the island.
“I would like to accept that as long that all members of the group will reveal their names,” Councilor Abelardo Colmenares said in his reaction.
“Samok daghag mga negative (So much disorder, too many negative reactions),” he added.
For his part, Councilor Charles Ligan asked what should be their norms to follow and the responsibility of the group’s Facebook administrators in view of the existing cybercrime law.
Councilor Michael Robledo, on the other hand, said there are members of the group whose work is only to malign names of people in Samal.
“Mao ni problema karon, kinsay atong gukuron sa korte (Whom will we run after in court)?” he asked, noting the use of fictitious names or aliases on Facebook accounts.
He said that at times some “not all” names of councilors are hit with derogatory comments, though they themselves go into arguments.
Although he has no Facebook account, Councilor Ruel Bantillo said there are instances that the right to information is abused despite the intention of Samal Watch to give right information.
He challenged the group to be responsible in dealing with all issues and for all concerned to take accountability.
Bantillo advised the group to investigate mysterious accounts and take administrator responsible for all actions.
He asked the group to register, hire editors and avoid trial by publicity. Valdez assured the City Council they would review all their members.
He said they have nine page administrators who clear and review first whatever posted on their page. He said the group already advised members to refrain from making bad comments or they will be kicked out as members.
Vice Mayor Orly Amit cited the group’s intention for right information and transparency, but reminded there is also a need to take responsibility and accountability. (Cha Monforte/PNA)
