AVOID USING NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today urges media to prevent using the words "Muslim" or "Islamic" in describing criminals and suspects in news reports, saying it highly offends the Islamic religious culture.

"Some members of the local and national media continue to callously lambaste the Muslim religious culture by describing criminals and suspects with terms such as 'Muslim Criminals', 'Muslim Terrorists' or 'Muslim Holduppers'," said Senator Angara.

He added, "the use of these words in association with suspected or convicted criminals and unlawful acts are offensively biased against Muslims. This practice is prejudicial and extremely injurious to their community as well as their social well-being as respectable citizens of the country."

Community leaders continuously clamored about the use of negative stereotypes, saying that its use tends to loosely associate all of its members with terrorism.

In a study conducted by the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) titled "Prejudice and Pride: News Media's Role in Promoting Tolerance," it identified biases against Muslims in news reports as manifested by the lack of clear reportage on issues affecting their community.

The study also showed that there has been a 'growing perception that media tend to give attention to Muslims of extremist views who do not represent the majority of Muslims.' Among their recommendations include: creating a comprehensive framework for media reportage and by adopting non-discriminatory approach to news reporting.

In this light, Senator Angara drafted a bill in order to help drive the path towards a just and culturally-sensitive development in our country.

Under his bill, the use of the word "Muslim" or "Islamic" in print, television and other forms of broadcast media are prohibited to refer or describe any person convicted of a crime or suspected of committing any unlawful acts.

In addition, a penalty of arresto mayor or a fine ranging from P1,000 - P10,000 or both shall be imposed, at the discretion of the court, upon any person found guilty. Meanwhile, publishers shall also be liable for a fine not less than P50,000.

"Outlawing this culturally ad religiously biased practice would definitely contribute and result in increased positive social space and understanding between and among Muslims and non-Muslims, and in effect, help create a fair and lasting peace within the country," he said.