Chronicle associate editor to speak on libel at PPI confab

Negros Chronicle associate editor Elmar Jay Martin I. Dejaresco will be among the speakers during the annual gathering of newspaper publishers, editors and reporters for the 12th National Press Forum (NPF) and Annual Membership Meeting on May 27-29, 2008 at Diamond Hotel Philippines.
Jay Dejaresco will discuss the recent decisions of the Supreme Court on libel and defamation involving the press.
Dejaresco, who practices media law, is has been speaking on the developments of libel and defamation in various gatherings of newspaper associations and students in the country.
He is director of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI) and has acted as legal counsel and adviser to several newspapers.
Other topics to be taken during the three-day activity will include the human security act, the bill on the right to information, transparency and good governance, the right of reply, the safety of journalists, and the conference theme “Building Better Communities Through Civic Journalism.”
For the first time, the annual event opens its doors to non-PPI members.
Journalism schools, media organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, NGOs and civil society groups have been invited to participate in some segments.
A seminar on media accountability and ethics will be conducted for the scholastic press associations.
An exhibit and a media bazaar will be added as new components to make the event more relevant and engaging. Special booths on Civic Journalism will underscore the best practices of some award-winning newspapers in the regions.
The PPI is the national association of newspapers whose mandate is to defend press freedom and promote media ethics for the professional and skills development of journalists in the country.