A recent controversy has ignited tensions between GMA News reporters and veteran columnist Ramon Tulfo after a comment made by GMA anchor Mariz Umali about former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. The comment, which allegedly referred to Medialdea as “matanda” (old) while he was on a stretcher, triggered a wave of criticism from netizens and media professionals, eventually leading to a public dispute within the media community.

The issue began with a viral video showing Medialdea being wheeled on a stretcher in The Hague, Netherlands, where he had been accompanying former President Rodrigo Duterte. In the video, subtitles suggested that Mariz Umali had referred to Medialdea as “matanda” while commenting on his condition. The comment was quickly picked up by critics, especially Duterte supporters, who accused Umali of disrespecting Medialdea during a vulnerable moment.

However, Mariz Umali swiftly clarified the situation on her social media accounts, denying that she had insulted Medialdea. She explained that her remark was not about his age, but about his eyes. She observed that Medialdea’s eyes were open initially but closed when he saw her while being moved. Umali emphasized that her comment was a simple observation and was never meant to disrespect Medialdea or his health.

Despite Umali’s explanation, veteran journalist Ramon Tulfo waded into the controversy by making a disparaging remark on social media. In a post that was perceived as a personal attack on Umali, Tulfo commented, “Tatanda ka rin, hija. At pagdating ng araw na yun pati k*pyas mo kukulubot,” which roughly translates to, “You will grow old too, young lady. And one day, your body will sag.” The comment was widely condemned for its vulgarity and disrespectful tone, especially since Tulfo is a well-known figure in Philippine media.

Tulfo’s remark immediately sparked backlash from many quarters. It was seen not just as an attack on Umali’s character, but also as an unprofessional and unnecessary comment from a fellow journalist. Many felt that Tulfo’s words contributed to a toxic and hostile environment in the media industry.

The comment did not go unnoticed by GMA News reporters, who quickly expressed their discontent with Tulfo’s post. Several of Umali’s colleagues took to social media to voice their support for her and to criticize Tulfo’s remarks. Reporters from the network, including Nelson Canlas and Aubrey Carampel, condemned Tulfo for crossing the line with his comment, which they deemed both uncalled for and inappropriate. They emphasized that Tulfo’s words had no place in a professional setting and that mutual respect should be upheld among journalists, especially when addressing fellow media practitioners.

The response from GMA reporters highlighted the growing frustration within the media community over the treatment of their colleagues, particularly women, in the industry. The situation also served as a reminder of the challenges that journalists face in navigating public opinion, media ethics, and the complexities of social media.

This incident has brought to the forefront the importance of professionalism within the journalism industry. While it is not uncommon for public figures and media personalities to face scrutiny, it is vital that journalists maintain a level of respect and responsibility when addressing sensitive issues or fellow professionals. Comments like Tulfo’s not only reflect poorly on the individual but also undermine the integrity of the entire media community.

The controversy has also sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of female journalists. The comment from Tulfo, which was perceived as both degrading and sexist, highlighted the ongoing struggles women in media face, especially when it comes to online harassment and misogyny. Support groups for journalists, such as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), have spoken out against such behavior, stressing that it perpetuates a culture of harassment that is detrimental to the profession.

The clash between GMA reporters and Ramon Tulfo over the “matanda” comment involving Mariz Umali underscores the need for greater professionalism and respect within the media industry. While journalists and media personalities are often the subject of public scrutiny, it is crucial that their colleagues maintain support for one another and uphold the ethical standards that define the profession. This incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive environment in the media world. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether this situation will lead to more substantial changes within the media community regarding how journalists treat one another.