Скачать или смотреть Mariz Umali denies calling Medialdea "matanda", says she was misheard.

GMA News anchor Mariz Umali addressed a viral video where she was accused of calling former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea “matanda” (old) while he was on a stretcher. She clarified that she was misheard and was actually referring to Medialdea’s eyes, saying, “Tingnan mo yung mata niya” (Look at his eyes), noting how they were initially open but closed upon seeing her. Umali stressed that there was no intent to disrespect Medialdea.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) denounced the online harassment Umali faced after the video spread, particularly calling out columnist Ramon Tulfo for his inappropriate remarks. The NUJP stated that such comments are crude, offensive, and especially inappropriate during National Women’s Month.

This situation highlights the difficulties journalists face, from misinterpretations to online attacks, while carrying out their work.

#JournalismChallenges