The open letter was published following Radyo Rapido anchorman Mark Palcis Sucaldito, a self-proclaimed media man now being referred to as "alipungoy", in his radio program questioned the need for a close-in photographer in the governor’s team and throwing shade at vloggers — suggesting their presence undermines traditional media standards.
But the backlash was swift and unforgiving.
“You made noise again — this time by questioning why the Governor has a close-in photographer and throwing shade at vloggers... The people heard you — not with applause, but with laughter and dismay,” the letter begins.
The open letter emphasized that the role of a close-in photographer is not a gimmick, but a professional function essential to documentation, transparency, and real-time public communication.
This isn’t Sucaldito’s first run-in with public outrage.
Back in March 2025, the same broadcaster drew widespread criticism from students and alumni of the South East Asian Institute of Technology (SEAIT) after posting a misleading photo of a ₱500.00 school receipt. He falsely claimed the school’s free education program was a sham — only to be brutally corrected online.
Students clarified that tuition at SEAIT remains 100% free, and the ₱500.00 he referenced was merely a minimal miscellaneous fee for student services. What was intended to discredit SEAIT’s program instead exposed Sucaldito’s lack of understanding, with students accusing him of spreading misinformation for clout.
“In trying to expose a lie, he exposed himself,” one SEAIT alumna wrote.
“He was schooled—hard.”
The open letter also compiled reactions from outraged netizens, many of whom called out Sucaldito’s outdated mindset, lack of research, and perceived bias:
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“Kung hindi mo alam ang value ng communication, huwag ka magpanggap na media.”
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“Mas may silbi pa ang photographer kaysa sa mga ACDC na media. At least siya may output, hindi puro intriga.”
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“Mango-mango sa imo. Paano ka naging media?”
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“Pag inggit, pikit. ‘Trust and confidence’ ang basehan kung co-term. Daw prutas lang ba — mango2. Hahaha.”
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“Bago ka magsalita, mag-research ka sana.”
Some comments even alleged that Sucaldito was serving the interests of political rivals, with one user saying, “Amo na budlay sa iban nga media. Bayad siguro sang kalaban kaya kung anu-ano nalang ginapalapta para makasira.”
The letter ends with a damning message: South Cotabato has no space for outdated, bitter personalities masquerading as journalists.
“South Cotabato needs real journalists — not loud, bitter personalities who were probably sent to buy vinegar and came back calling themselves ‘media’.”
“We need substance. You give spectacle. We want facts. You offer noise.”
As digital platforms become central to good governance, the message is clear — the people now value output, authenticity, and connection more than ever. And those who can’t adapt are being left behind.
Sucaldito has yet to issue a response to the letter. But judging by the tone of the public, the court of opinion has already ruled.
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