Guides for responsible reporting of suicide cases in media, films pushed

“Most of the time, news articles reporting suicide cases lack sensibility and disrespect towards the victims’ families.”

Councilor Ian Achas manifested this during the 39th regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by City Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez, as he proposed for the enactment of an ordinance for the media to adhere to the ethical guidelines for reporting on suicide. In his special report, Councilor Achas emphasized that the role of the media is crucial as it can have a significant impact on public perceptions and attitudes toward suicide.

Councilor Achas said that even in cases wherein the freedom of the press is granted over the rights of individuals, the Court stressed that such freedom is “not absolute and unbounded”.

“The exercise of this right enshrined in the Bill of Rights, indeed, comes with an equal burden of the responsible exercise of that right”, he pointed out.

Councilor Achas also expressed dismay over published articles that sometimes admire suicide as a solution to problems and fail to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.

“Such suicide reports may trigger a trend of copycat suicides”, the councilor stressed.

With this, Councilor Achas recommended that through his proposed ordinance it can promote responsible reporting, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage media to highlight warning signs and promote suicide prevention.

The proposal of Councilor Achas was referred to the committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas for further study.