Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. PROFILE:
B. Age 24
C. Gender F
E. Training/ Seminars
2. What are the experiences in covering the HOR - The nature of the beat is very
Covered major events such as the budget season, passage of important bills like
the death penalty revival, postponement of barangay & SK elections, GAA 2017,
etc. Also attended hearings such as the probe into the Bilibid drug trade, several
among others
2.a. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR?
Accuracy is key--fact-checking
Avoid plagiarism
makes writing stories a lot easier since you just have to back-read your
notes
attend weekly press conferences both for members of the majority and
minority
write stories out of bills/resolutions filed that have national relevance and
impact
ambush interview
2.c. Are there any protocols in covering the House of Representatives If yes
when covering hearings, do not disrupt the flow and make unnecessary
noises. If you need to interview a source, wait for him/her to exit the
3. Prior to your coverage in the HOR what are your preparations in gathering
news? In terms of
Search for the location of your coverage and identify possible ways on
during hearings and you can interview them for your stories.
Furthermore, you can also request position papers to support your main
stories
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR? Yes
4. Are there any recommendation or suggestion for future reporters? What are
News Reporter II
Philippine News Agency
Presidential Communications
Operations Office-News & Information Bureau (PCOO-NIB)
THESIS
INTERVIEW GUIDE:
1. PROFILE:
A. Name: Jester Manalastas
B. Age: legal age
C. Gender: Female
D. Educational Background: MA in Broadcast Communication/ BS Journalism
E. Training/ Seminars: Philippine Press Institute on several topics
F. Other beats covered: DoH, DoT, PNP-Crame, AFP-Defense, Malacanang and
Senate
G. Years in the service: 20
H . Years covering the House of Representatives:11
2.a. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR?
- write objectively, no biases as much as possible
- getting both sides of the stories
- being fair to all lawmakers, either administration or opposition
- write the big, relevant and meaningful stories
- avoid press releases as they were also sent to the desk.
3.b. mental preparations - just set in mind that Monday to Wednesday, since
these are sessionn days, are busy days and expect bigger stories.
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR?
-yes.
4. Are there any recommendation or suggestion for future reporters? What are
these?
- they should not rely more on social media, as reporters or media should set
the tone in encouraging and convincing people.
- listening is important so there would be no misinformation.
- record your interviews, as these are proofs once libel was filed.
THESIS
INTERVIEW GUIDE:
1. PROFILE:
A. Name
B. Age
40
C. Gender
Male
D. Educational Background
E. Training/ Seminars
20
Almost 20 years
It made me more familiar about the Philippine politics and its on the
record and off the record stories. Its a wonderful job of meeting
future leaders, including former President Benigno P-Noy Aquino III.
2.a. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR?
Yes
You have to observe proper decorum inside the session hall like
helping to keep the place quiet and should not cross the line placed
there in an effort to talk to lawmakers. Wear proper attire,
especially during the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Eat breakfast and be sure that you look presentable when facing sources.
Read the main stories of the day to keep you abreast of all the
developments. This will show to sources that you are knowledgeable of
the current events and prove that you are doing you homework. Avoid
asking stupid questions because you come unprepared.
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR?
Yes
INTERVIEW GUIDE:
1. PROFILE:
B. Age: 38
C. Gender: Male
2.a. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR?
- covering hearings,
- ambush interviews
1. If yes what are these -wear proper dress, no shorts and slippers.
3. Prior to your coverage in the HOR what are your preparations in gathering
news? In terms of
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR?
- yes
- schedule. there are times when big stories are happening at the same time.
4. Are there any recommendation or suggestion for future reporters? What are
these?
- there are things that you can only learn in the field, like finding source
1. PROFILE:
A. Name: Tina Mendoza
B. Age: 40
C. Gender: Female
D. Educational Background: College graduate/ Undergraduate Bachelor of
Laws
E. Training/ Seminars
F. Other beats covered: Ombudsman,CSC, COA
G. Years in the service 16 years
H . Years covering the House of Representatives 8 months
2.a. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR? you have to
be well abreast with whats happening in and out of the country because of the
countless reaction you can get from the congressmen.You have to report early
for work as hearing can start as early as 9am and Plenary sessions at times ends
late.
2.b. What are procedures in gathering news inside the HOR? call of text
congressmen for their reaction on certain issues. Press Releases. Attend
committee hearings and regular pressconference.
3. Prior to your coverage in the HOR what are your preparations in gathering
news? In terms of:
3.b. mental preparations: read read and read. Not just the newspapers but even
the Twitter and Instagram account of some congressmen as you can get stories
or reaction from their posts.
3.c. Identify and explain any best practices in covering HOR. Know how
Congress works. How they form and pass laws for these will help in wriring your
news.
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR? Yes
3.e. What are the problems encountered during the coverage? kapag minsan
sabay sabay ang hearing ng mga committee hindi mo alam ano uunahin mong
gawin o puntahan.
3.f. Were you able to solve the particular problem? How?yes dapat dalawa ang
reporter na magkokober for each media oufit dahil sa dami ng storya na
pwedeng gawin for a day,
4. Are there any recommendation or suggestion for future reporters? What are
these?
if you were assigned to cover Congress you have to know how it works, this
would help.
1. PROFILE:
A. Name Meliza Maluntag
B. Age 48
C. Gender Female
D. Educational Background : MassCom and Public Administration Graduate
E. Training/ Seminars : Weather Forecast / Popularizing The Law UP/ Speaker in
a seminar : Media Practices and Protocols
F. Other beats covered : Senate / NBI/ MPD
G. Years in the service : 25 years
H . Years covering the House of Representatives : 13 years
2. What are the experiences in covering the HOR : SONA of former and present
presidents of the Philippines including visit of US President George W. Bush/
Covered Absentee Voting consultation in Los Angeles and New York, USA
2.a. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR? : sharing
stories / dividing the task among reporters and embargo stories we talk
especially when Congress is in recess.
2.b. What are procedures in gathering news inside the HOR? Attend press
conferences, committee hearings, ambush interviews and bills filed
2.c. Are there any protocols in covering the HOR? Yes from dress code to the
way of gathering news especially when the session is in progress, reporters are
not allowed to go beyond pages line. If the congress is in session you cant go
direct to the congressman and do an interview but you must call the page for
them to call the lawmakers.
3. Prior to your coverage in the HOR what are your preparations in gathering
news? In terms of
3.a. physical preparations: read all newspapers before covering the beat/
monitor early newscast tv and radio news ,
3.b. mental preparations : reporters should be aware of the first name of the
lawmakers, their background , issues or their bills filed
3.c. Identify and explain any best practices in covering HOR. A chance to
interview and mingle the 3rd highest officials in the country, a chance to go other
places whenever the lawmakers have activities, campaign and hearing in other
provinces.
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR? Of course
3.e. What are the problems encountered during the coverage? Lawmakers who
does not reply to the query of the reporters.
3.f. Were you able to solve the particular problem? How? Yes by asking other
congressmen. There is always an option.
4. Are there any recommendation or suggestion for future reporters? What are
these? Before covering a political beat like HOR, it is a must to study the
protocols inside the session hall, at least memorize the names or committee
chairmanship of the lawmakers and make it a point to get their contact
numbers.
NTERVIEW GUIDE:
1. PROFILE:
A. Name: Dave Vincent Pasit
B. Age: 21
C. Gender: Male
D. Educational Background: College graduate
E. Training/ Seminars
F. Other beats covered: House of Representatives only
G. Years in the service 1 year
H . Years covering the House of Representatives 1 year
2. What are your experiences in covering the HOR? Covering the NBP drug trade
2.a. What are the practices of journalist in covering the HOR? Covering the prescon,
committee hearings and session in the plenary
2.b. What are procedures in gathering news inside the HOR? We usually receive press
release and transcription of the interviews of congressmen from other media outfit
3. Prior to your coverage in the HOR what are your preparations in gathering news? In
terms of
3.a. physical preparations: As much as possible, get enough sleep because committee
hearings usually begins at 9:00 am, while the plenary session begins at 4:00 and often time
ends after 7:00 pm.
3.b. mental preparations: read previous articles/reports, also the history of the bill. I also
try to read how other reporters/journalists frame up their own stories.
3.c. Identify and explain any best practices in covering HOR. Get to know our sources well.
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the HOR? Yes
3.e. What are the problems encountered during the coverage? Most of the time I come late
on committee hearings due to horrendous traffic from Pasay City to Batasan Complex. Also,
different committee hearings begin at the same time. By such, we, reporters, are sometimes
torn as to what committee hearing are we going to attend to.
3.f. Were you able to solve the particular problem? How? Yes, by leaving my place early to
avoid traffic early and also weighing what committee hearing in particular is far more
important to cover.
4. Are there any recommendation or suggestion for future reporters? What are these?
Familiarize yourself by the schedule of committee hearings.
PROFILE:
2.. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR?
3.b. mental preparations always review and monitor current news events
for follow up or reaction gathering ; try to be in good spirits and be cordial and
courteous towards media colleagues and news sources, especially the subject
of coverage
3.c. Identify and explain any best practices in covering HOR: knowing by
heart the personalities, behavior and personal/professional background of news
sources; building good rapport with fellow reporters and subjects of news
coverage;
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR?
No. Each reporter has his/her own way of observing best practices that
would help overcome the competition. Best practices should be kept to oneself
to develop confidence and respect of news personalities being covered.
However, if advice is sought by news reporters, it should always be granted.
3.e. What are the problems encountered during the coverage? Non-
cooperation of sources and their refusal to confirm news information.
-cross checking and verifications are very important aspects in the practice
of journalism
- observe humility; accept faults but never allow others to impose on how
you do your job
- follow your editors but dont keep new and good ideas of improving
coverage and outscooping the competition to yourself
- be courteous in dealing with other people
- try to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the beat your are covering
PROFILE
HOR is challenging and easy to cover at the same time. No "no story day" at
HOR.
We mainly make our reports from filed bills and resolutions, committee hearings,
plenary approval of legislative measures, press conferences, interview with
congressmen and caucuses.
Copies of bills and resolutions can be requested from the Bills and Index Section
of HOR. But it is faster to get it from the offices of the congressmen.
Modern communication tools made our coverage even easier. We can just text
or call any concerned member of HOR to get reactions on issues or pertinent
information that we need to.
Like any other beat, you need to be accredited first before you can cover HOR.
Learn the rules of the house including those observed in the committees.
Know the background of congressmen, not just their personal background but
their politics, affilliations as well as position on major issues.
PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS: enough sleep. I can perform good even after 2 hours
of sleep. But it is best to have enough sleep.
I exercise.
I ALWAYS come on time. NEVER NEVER be late for your assignment. That's
unprofessional. That's also the wrong way to start your coverage.
Keep in mind that your reports will help shape public's opinion. So be careful on
details. Be responsible.
Of course.
I just let it pass. You should not let them bother you. Just do your job.
I always keep in mind that there are 200 plus congressmen from whom i can get
the needed information.
Dont aspire to get to the major beat asap. Learn the trade, get your footing in
the industry and as they say...patibayin mo ang sikmura mo.
Start at the police beat. Never belittle police beats. That's a good point to start
your career. It will give you the much needed foundation and build your
confidence.
Familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the whole institution.
House leadership
Committees..it's composition and scope
Political coalition, majority and minority
Legislative priorities
Rules
Keep contacts of congressmen and their staff. You need a sure line of
communication anytime you need information or statement coming directly
from the concerned congressmen.
If possible, dont leave hor until session is adjourned. Sometimes, breaking stories
happen at hor at the plenary session.
PROTOCOL
Keep in mind that you belong to the fourth state. It is your obligation also to
provide checks and balance for public interest.
INTERVIEW GUIDE:
1. PROFILE:
A. Name: Raynan Javil
B. Age: 23
C. Gender: Male
D. Educational Background: College graduate
E. Training/ Seminars
F. Other beats covered: Sandiganbayan, OVP, Ombudsman
G. Years in the service 1 year
H . Years covering the House of Representatives 1 year
2. What are the experiences in covering the HOR? I experienced long hour of
hearing like the NBP drug trade.
2.a. What are the practices of print journalist in covering the HOR? Print reporters
usually face time constraints especially with 4:00 pm session. But you you get to
get by through time.
2.b. What are procedures in gathering news inside the HOR? House usually
sends press release, that's one way of gathering news. Other ways include
attending committee hearing waiting for bills to be approved during session
3. Prior to your coverage in the HOR what are your preparations in gathering
news? In terms of
3.a. physical preparations: N/A
3.b. mental preparations: read up a lot, the history of the bill, read how others
wrote their story.
3.c. Identify and explain any best practices in covering HOR. Get to know your
sources well and familiarize yourself with procedures on how a bill becomes a
law.
3.d. Would you recommend these best practices to new reporters covering the
HOR? Yes
3.e. What are the problems encountered during the coverage? One of problems
really is the 4:00 pm session, since newspapers have strict deadline. Stories that
happen around 6 or 7 pm don't make it to print.
3.f. Were you able to solve the particular problem? How?yes, just learn how to
coordinate with the desk about late breaking news
4. Are there any recommendation or suggestion for future reporters? What are
these?
Yes. Future reporters should familiarize themselves with the legislation process
and be ready with long committee hearings and night long House sessions.
Raynan F. Javil
Reporter
BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation
#95 Balete Drive Extension, New Manila, Quezon City, 1112, Philippines
Landline: (02) 535-9901 Mobile: 09985749700
Website: www.bworldonline.com