“However, freedom of expression is a right that comes with the responsibility to ensure that facts are verified, and unfounded allegations from questionable sources are avoided,” dagdag pa nito. “In this regard, elements in the VP’s side event statement need to be verified, as already earlier stated by the Presidential Spokesperson on the matter,” pagtatapos ng DFA.
“Bagama’t may karapatan siyang magsalita tungkol sa mga pampublikong usapin, responsibilidad din niyang ingatan ang mga pahayag niya lalo na kung hindi naman sigurado ang mga alegasyon at kuwestiyonable ang basehan,” ani Abella, na ang tinutukoy ay si Robredo.