Luanda – Members of the Ethics and Licensing Commission (ECC), the body that regulates the ethics and professional deontology of journalists, are yet to receive allowances since they began their term in 2019.
The above concern was presented to the Seventh Commission of the Parliament in charge for Culture, Religious Issues, Media, Youth and Sports, in the framework of a control visit to this body to evaluate its functioning.
During the meeting, the CCE chairwoman, Luísa Rogério, claimed that despite the subsidies, the body also has the lack of financial, patrimonial, institutional and transport autonomy to carry out its functions.
CCE official considered it inadequate that the body she heads is under the Media Regulatory Body (ERCA), although both bodies are funded by the State Budget.
For example, she said that in order to go out on duty properly paid, there must be an order signed by the head of ERCA, thus creating constraints in the execution of activities.
Regarding the change of the journalist statutes which is under discussion at the Parliament, she agrees with some suggestions, but was against the inclusion in the body of journalists whoever is part of the board of a political party.
"We must not politicise the professions because it is a violation of deontology, avoiding promiscuity in the exercise of the profession", she reinforced.
The dependence of this body must be changed as soon as possible so that it can fully perform its duties.
However, he added that in addition to the meeting to be held with ERCA, they will contact the higher institutions to harmonise the legal issues.
MGM/ART/MRA/jmc
