By Liza Marie Osorio Caube
Correspondent of the Office of City Councilor Francis Esparis

CITY HALL, Cebu City (Sept. 22, 2022) — City Councilor Francis Esparis yesterday expressed his gratitude to the Cebu media for being “partners in progress” of the City Government.

In his first ever privilege speech delivered during their regular session, the neophyte councilor, a well-known radio drama personality, highlighted the important role of media in society.

City Councilor Francis Esparis delivering his privilege speech during their regular session last Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (Contributed photo)

He emphasized that media and government are not enemies but are partners in ensuring that public service is effective.

 “The honorable men and women of the so called ‘fourth estate’ work day and night to keep us all informed and educated on matters of public concern. Without them, the public will always be kept in the dark. In fact, no democratic society can survive without a free press,” said the councilor.

The honorable men and women of the so called ‘fourth estate’ work day and night to keep us all informed and educated on matters of public concern. Without them, the public will always be kept in the dark. In fact, no democratic society can survive without a free press.

Councilor Francis Esparis

His statement is timely as the Cebu media is celebrating this week Cebu Press Freedom Week.

Known in radio drama circles as “Ginhawa Delfin”, Councilor Esparis is a long-time Quiot barangay captain before winning as city councilor in the May 9 elections.

Last Sept. 8, he authored a proposed ordinance titled “Media Education Ordinance,” which sets that “(e)very employee of the Cebu City Government shall undergo a seminar of at least two hours in order for him/her to have a good grasp of the role of media in society.”

Councilor Esparis during the “Hall at Your Door Doorsteps” activity in Barangay Bulacao in the south district last August 5, 2021. (PIO/File)

The proposed measure is currently under review by the Committee on Laws, Styling and Ordinances.

Last Sept. 12, Councilor Esparis also filed a resolution inquiring from the department heads of the Cebu City Government whether they have already designated a Freedom of Information Receiving Officer in each of their offices.

This is in accordance with Section 9, letter C of the City Ordinance 2657, or Freedom of Information Ordinance of Cebu City, which Mayor Mike Rama signed last July 28.

City Councilor Francis Esparis (third from left) has filed a proposed measure requiring City Government employees to undergo a two-hour seminar on media’s importance to society. (Contributed photo)

 “Ang interes sa katilingban ug ang pagpadayon sa maayong pangagamhanan nanginahanglan og walay kutas nga paghisgot sa katilingbanong mga butang. Ang tibook nga kagawasan sa pagkomento sa mga taras o binuhatan sa mga nangalagad sa publiko usa ka galamitong pangdisdis diha sa kagawasan sa pagsulti,” he said, translating what the US Supreme Court once said in the US vs Bustos case.

“Ang hait nga tudlis sa iyang imbestigasyon maoy moalibyo sa mga di maayong buhat sa mga naghupot og pwesto,” he added. #

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