A Bohol Tribune columnist has criticized certain Bohol politicians for being overly sensitive to public scrutiny and unfavorable news coverage, saying public servants must accept criticism as part of their duty to taxpayers.

Donald Sevilla made the remarks Dec. 30, 2025, during an interview over DYTR’s “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy, saying some politicians dismiss unfavorable coverage as misleading or fake news rather than addressing substantive social issues.

“Some politicians raise eyebrows when news doesn’t favor them,” Sevilla said, describing them as “onion-skinned.”

Sevilla defended the Bohol Tribune’s fairness, saying the newspaper attempts balanced coverage and publishes officials’ responses to stories. 

He acknowledged some media practitioners show bias “clinging to which side of the bread is buttered.”

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Sevilla noted that politicians should demonstrate transparency to constituents, noting they must file annual Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) under Philippine law.

“Politicians should not do anything they cannot disclose to the public,” Sevilla said, adding that officials who refuse to release their SALNs provide “a shallow reason” since disclosure aims to prevent corruption.

SALN allows citizens to track changes in officials’ wealth and assess their performance, Sevilla said, questioning why some politicians fear releasing the documents.

“It carries no ill intentions,” he said.

CORRUPTION

The country has long struggled with corruption in public works, particularly flood control projects. 

Filipinos have the constitutional right to question how public funds are spent, especially given the country’s history of infrastructure scandals and cost overruns.

Public accountability mechanisms like SALN disclosure serve as safeguards against graft, allowing taxpayers to monitor whether officials accumulate unexplained wealth during their terms.

FREEDOM OF PRESS AND POWER ABUSE

Sevilla stressed that public officials must accept responsibility for their statements and actions, citing the principle that great power comes with great responsibility.

“Criticisms are part of being a public servant, and politicians should expect to be criticized,” he said.

Press freedom advocates have long warned against officials who abuse their power to suppress criticism or intimidate journalists. 

Public servants who retaliate against unfavorable coverage or attempt to silence scrutiny undermine democratic accountability and violate constitutional protections for press freedom.

The Philippine Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and of the press. 

Journalists and citizens have the right to examine government actions without fear of retaliation from officials who dislike scrutiny.

Sevilla cited the importance of media ethics, saying journalists should avoid bias and verify information, particularly given advances in artificial intelligence that can spread misinformation.

He cited humility as an essential virtue for politicians, referencing the Discayas as an example of how flaunting excess can lead to trouble.