The Nationalist Party today said that PBS head of news has been caught lying about the station’s policy with regard to comments made on Facebook.

A few days ago, the PN had objected to the fact that PBS had not reported comments made by former PM Alfred Sant on Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi, with Dr Sant advocating his resignation in the wake of the Panama scandal.

In his reply, Reno Bugeja said that “in consistency with the PBS editorial guidelines, PBS does not report comments and opinions made on Facebook, whoever is writing them”.

But, yesterday, on the same day that he said this, PBS reported comments made on Facebook by Zurrieq mayor Ignatius Farrugia.

This confirms that Reno Bugeja is lying when in his role as head of PBS news he should ensure that the truth is said on the national station.

“The only editorial guidelines followed unscrupulously and consistently by Reno Bugeja is the one dictated from Castille,” the PN said, adding that the party will be contesting the matter before the Broadcasting Authority.

Letter sent by PN

In a reply, Mr Bugeja said there was no inconsistency because Mr Farrugia was commenting on a personal matter. There have been cases in the past when PBS took note and reported issues that were of a personal nature. But PBS cannot be selective on what people write on Facebook on matters of a controversial nature.