To the BBC News team,

Regarding news correspondent, Howard Johnson BBC News Correspondent

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to you AGAIN about the biased and skewed coveraged and reporting by your Philippine correspondent, Mr Howard Johnson. 

This is in relation to a news clip featured on your Facebook page and news report earlier today when Mr Johnson ambush interviewed poll leading Presidential Candidate, Bong Bong Marcos and asked him if he could be a ’serious candidate’ if he is avoiding some of the Presidential debates being held and whether he was hiding something?

Well, the reality is that, not only is being called a liar by the current Vice President of the Philippines, a thief and son of a thief by some netizens and bashers, BBM is constantly being bashed and judged without giving him the chance to explain his reasoning for running for office properly. I really don’t believe he would get a fair hearing or crack of the whip by already biased reporters and interviewers. 

This means inevitably that BBM and his campaign team are forced to be selective on which interviews they will take part in to ensure fairness and impartiality, rather than bias and loaded questions based on rhetoric and personal opinions/views. 

I believe ALL Presidential candidates should be given the same platform and opportunity to state their case and should not be subject to insults based on historical matters, it’s the line of questioning I take exception too. Of course if all candidates are asked about the same matters then it may be fair. 

Why would Mr Johnson ask if BBM is hiding something? What on earth would he be hiding? BBM made it very clear of his intentions to run for the highest post in the land and has widespread support. In fact he is leading in just about every election poll by a margin of just about double to his nearest rival!!! BBM has been very clear on his mandate and intentions in restoring Philippine pride and creating more local jobs under his jobs jobs jobs platform. 

Whenever I have seen any report by Mr Howard Johnson, it always seems to be very critical of President Duterte and now BBM, without playing fair with open questions. Isn’t the BBC about fair, unbiased reporting? Or is it the case that whenever the Philippines is mentioned on the BBC, it’s more often than not painted in a negative light?

Why am I still forced to pay my licence fee to be subjected to one sided and biased rhetoric of Howard Johnson against the Philippines and her politicians? I believe Mr Johnson should have found another opportunity to properly question BBM and not speak to him in such a disrespectful and rude manner. 

Why can’t Mr Johnson keep an open mind and maybe approach reporting of the next potential administration with a balanced reporting without bias or malice? 

I am therefore calling for the BBC to apologise over the conduct and manner in which this reporter conducted himself during that report. 

Malcolm Conlan
Netizen 
UK

 

photo image credit: BBC news. No copyright intended.