The Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) has issued a strong condemnation following what it describes as discriminatory and unprofessional treatment of a veteran sports reporter during a Cebu City Christmas League basketball game.
Incident at the Cebu City Sports Institute
The confrontation occurred on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI). According to the CFBJ's official statement, Glendale Rosal, a sports correspondent for Cebu Daily News Digital, was prevented from performing her duties while covering the third-place match between Richie Boy Ballers and Welec Trucking Service.
The federation stated that Rosal, who has been covering events of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) since 2009, was blocked from entering the area customarily reserved for members of the media. A CCSC staff member allegedly used a wheeled scoreboard to bar her path and confronted her aggressively, despite Rosal clearly identifying herself as press.
A Pattern of Harassment and Dismissive Responses
This was reportedly not the first encounter between Rosal and the same CCSC staffer. The CFBJ revealed that Rosal had faced similar harassment on the opening night of the league, even after properly introducing herself and explaining her role as a journalist.
The situation escalated further when Rosal was followed to the officials' table, prompting Rey Cañete, an official of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Region 7, to intervene to de-escalate the tension. Attempts by Rosal to seek clarification from other CCSC personnel were met only with "dismissive responses," which the federation said worsened the incident.
CFBJ's Formal Demands and Call for Professionalism
Emphasizing the vital role journalists play in promoting local sports, the CFBJ asserted that media members must be allowed to work freely and without intimidation. It characterized the staffer's actions as a serious professional failure and a clear abuse of authority.
The federation has issued several formal demands:
- A clear and impartial investigation into the incident by CCSC officials.
- A formal public apology to journalist Glendale Rosal.
- Appropriate disciplinary action from the CCSC and the Cebu City Government.
- The implementation of clearer protocols and training for staff regarding media relations and press access.
"Incidents such as this erode trust, undermine press freedom, and damage the reputation of institutions tasked with promoting sports in Cebu City," the CFBJ statement read.
The organization expressed its full support for Rosal and reiterated its call for respect, accountability, and professionalism at all sporting events managed by the CCSC.
