MANILA — The National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines has announced a new roster of officers to guide the organization for the next two years, following elections held on May 3 and 5 at the NPC grounds in Magallanes Drive, Intramuros.
According to Philippines News Agency, Leonel Abasola of the Press Freedom Party won the presidency, defeating Joey Venancio, publisher of Police Files Tonight. Abasola, a stringer for the Philippine News Agency (PNA), expressed his commitment to maintaining journalistic integrity and combating misinformation. "It is a privilege to work with dedicated members of the NPC and a responsibility to uphold the principles of journalistic integrity and press freedom," Abasola stated. He emphasized the challenge the NPC faces in fighting prevalent fake news.
Veteran journalists including former NPC president Marcelo Lagmay and retired PNA executive editor Ben Cal were noted by Abasola for their participation in the voting process despite the heat. Lydia Bueno, the outgoing NPC chief and the organization's first woman president, expressed her gratitude to the community for their support during her tenure.
The elections also saw Benny Antiporda elected as vice president, Tina Maralit of Manila Times as secretary, and Mina Navarro of Abante as treasurer. The new Board of Directors includes Aya Yupangco of DWIZ, Alvin Murcia of Daily Tribune, Benedict Abaygar of Pilipino Mirror, Gina Mape of DWWW, Madz Dominguez, Dennis Napule, Jeane Lacorte of Abante, Eduardo Reyes Jr. of Remate, Jun Mendoza of Philippine Star, and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio of DWIZ.