CONCEPCION, Tarlac (August 27, 2025) – The local chief executive here has publicly accused certain media personalities of compromising their integrity for political favor, labeling the practice as “media assassination.”
In a strongly worded social media post on his official page, Mayor Noel Villanueva echoed recent statements made by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who has been vocal about journalists trading their independence to favor certain politicians.
“The media is often called the Fourth Estate, entrusted with the sacred duty of keeping the public informed, holding leaders accountable, and speaking truth to power,” Villanueva wrote.
“But what happens when some media practitioners themselves cross the line—trading integrity for influence, and truth for political favor?”
Villanueva stated that this trend strikes at the “very heart of democracy,” arguing that when the media becomes a political weapon, the public is the ultimate victim.
He shared a personal account, alleging that “media personalities choose to favor political adversaries instead of reporting facts,” resulting in what he calls manipulation rather than information.
“This is what we call media assassination: when narratives are twisted, reputations are destroyed, and public opinion is swayed, not by evidence, but by airtime,” the mayor asserted. He directly addressed an unnamed individual.
“And to that familiar voice who chose to play this game—you know who you are. More importantly, the people of Concepcion know.”
It is believed that the statement of the popular mayor is a dig at a media member hired by a political opponent for black propaganda purposes. The said mediaman often posts unsubstantiated claims on social media against Villanueva without getting his side of the story.
The Concepcion, Tarlac, mayor also reserved high praise for his counterpart in Pasig, commending Mayor Sotto for his courage in calling out the issue. “His stand is not only timely, but necessary,” Villanueva said.
He ended his post with a call to action, urging media to “reclaim its sacred duty: to inform, not mislead; to serve, not be bought.” He rallied his supporters to “demand accountability, for integrity, and for a media that serves the people — not vested interests.”
The post was tagged with hashtags including #MediaAccountability, #TruthOverPropaganda, and #NoToMediaAssassination, signaling a growing concern among some local executives about the relationship between press and politics.
As of press time, there has been no specific response from any media organization or personality directly addressed in the mayor’s allegations.
