QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) elected a new set of officers on June 16 during its 12th National Congress held at Madison Hotel in Quezon City.
The NUJP elected its 15-member board of directors from a pool of 19 nominees. The following were elected, along with their corresponding number of votes:
Incumbent Secretary General Ronalyn Olea (Bulatlat), 27 votes
Incumbent Chairman Jonathan de Santos (ABSCBNNews.com) and NUJP Secretariat Alyssa Mae Clarin (NUJP), both with 26 votes
Ricky Bautista (Samar Weekly Express), 25 votes
Marchel Espina (Sunstar Cebu), 24 votes
Lady Ann Salem (Malaya Today), 24 votes
Anjo Bagaoisan (ABSCBN), 23 votes
Reynard Magtoto (Baretang Bicolnon), 22 votes
Macel Ingles (ABSCBN Global), 21 votes
Zorayda Mustaril, 21 votes
Lourdes Escaros, 21 votes
Rey Suravasquez (XFM Radio Network), 19 votes
Sherwin de Vera (Northern Dispatch), 17 votes
DJ Yap (Inquirer), 17 votes
Richel Umel (BeNAR News Philippines), 16 votes
The newly elected board convened immediately to elect its executive officers. Jonathan de Santos was re-elected chairperson; Macel Ingles, vice chair; Ronalyn Olea, was re-elected secretary general; Lady Ann Salem, deputy secretary general; Alyssa Mae Clarin, treasurer; and Ricky Bautista, auditor. The remaining members will serve as board directors.
The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) Executive Director Ariel Sebellino, former NUJP Chair and trainor JB Deveza, and former NUJP Secretary General Dabet Panelo (ABS-CBN) served as the Commission on Elections assisted by outgoing director Kath Cortez.
Representatives from at least 27 chapters across the Philippines and overseas attended the National Congress, both in-person and online.
As part of the congress, NUJP held a solemn program to pay tribute to members who passed away and conducted a planning workshop to outline programs for the 2024-2026 term.
Since its establishment in 1986, NUJP has been at the forefront of advancing the interests of the Filipino working press and fighting for free expression and a free press. (Ricky Bautista)
