FOR one, the practice of public relations is good as it expounds on good deeds worth emulating. However, not all people who are into public relations are considered PR practitioners.
Most of them are actually PR operators. What makes PR practitioners different from PR operators?
PR practitioners are bounded by ethics. PR operators embark on dirty operations – just like one referred to in the industry as Triple R – Racketeering Rogue River, who thrive for executing a long list of dubious “services” – including blackmail and extortion.
Who’s Triple R, anyway? Well, he’s the hottest subject in the PR industry, where he had just been disowned in view of reports about his unethical activities, the latest of which involves lobbying for exclusive sugar importation rights for a multinational corporation which he claimed he represents.
He went to Congress and wooed two congressmen to back them up – “or else they’ll be demolished” using mainstream media outlets which he candidly claimed to be receiving regular stipends from him. There’s nothing illegal with lobbying per se, but blackmailing congressmen doesn’t seem right.
When the information leaked on social media, many whom he allegedly victimized stood up and spilled more of Triple R’s stinking secrets, including the illegal reclamation at the Manila Bay, the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), unfair labor practice, non-payment of obligations corresponding airtime in a radio station, commercial office space, to name a few.
Retired and active journalists, freelance writers, editors, radio stations, real property owners with whom Triple R has had transactions tagged him as a swindler.
A seasoned newspaper editor, claimed to have been duped. The services rendered were not remunerated. Sa wikang Filipino, nasuba. So are the pool of writers.
Another veteran journalist based in southern Metro Manila said that Triple R approached him and three other journos, offering to become part of a new PR agency. All four journos were made to sign the articles of incorporation.
They have never heard from him since. After a month or so, Triple R was able to register the PR company using their resources and contacts. Another insider told me that Triple R was unceremoniously fired by the Geiser-Maclang, a renowned PR agency in the country, after he was caught red-handed wooing clients to “seriously consider” his services.
Wow! Sinubukan niyang sulutin ang mga kliyente ng kumpanyang nagpapakain sa kanya. Another tabloid editor also formed part of Triple R’s long list of preys. Triple R never bothered to pay P120,000 corresponding to three months of service – until she died. Rest in peace Neoly.
I also received a word on Triple R’s most lucrative moment – during the time of the former President Rodrigo Duterte. Oh yes, he made use of Duterte’s drug watchlist to amass a fortune. He fabricated PDEA’s drug watchlist which he used to extort from local officials.
There are many others who shared their bad experiences with Triple R, but would rather take their case to the “mambabarang” as they would jokingly say.
To be continued.
