A recent front-page report by The National newspaper regarding two government agency heads summoned to appear in court has implied wrong doing on the part of the two senior government officers.
They are saying the manner in which the court proceeding was published on the front page of The National on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, did not serve its purpose.
Managing Director for PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) John Mosoro and the Managing Director for Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) Debar Sungi expressed dismay on the manner the news article was presented.
They say the news article had tarnished their reputation when the issues before the court were legacy issues that occurred not during their time in office.
According to court documents provided to Sunday Bulletin, the Court Orders relating to the matter were first issued in 2021. Since assuming office, the two managing directors have prioritized compliance and institutional accountability.
CCDA and PNGFA have since taken proactive steps to respond to recent court orders, including coordination with technical teams to compile and submit the required reports.
They remain fully committed to upholding their legal obligations and would ensure continued cooperation with the National Court.
“We respectfully urge members of the media to accurately present matters involving public institutions, particularly when legal proceedings are concerned.
“Misinterpretation of facts risks undermining public trust and credibility of institutions working to serve the national interest,” they said.
Because the two senior government officials deal with sensitive matters relating to forestry in the country, they were of the view that the National Newspaper may have ulterior motives to publish the article and photographs of them on the front page.
“We question the motive and reasons behind this publication. This is still a matter pending court decision, yet it is being published on the front page.
“We strongly call on the Editor of The National Newspaper to apologize or make a retraction in an advertisement that the court matter was wrongly reported,” they said.
“We call on The National to consult with PNGFA and CCDA on such matters in the future when such matters can be mandatory in nature and may be contemptuous,” they said.