THE Senate and House are set to conduct inquiries on what was called the "high-handed" treatment of media practitioners who covered last week’s Manila Peninsula incident.

Sen. Manuel Roxas II said the custody of around 50 journalists and confiscation of media materials and equipment are outstanding issues that have to be threshed out "openly, soberly, and truthfully."

Rep. Bienvenido Abante (Lakas, Manila), vice chairman of the committee on human rights, said he will file a resolution today to look into possible violations of constitutional rights of reporters who are performing their jobs when they were included as suspects and brought to police headquarters.

Roxas’ resolution would also lay the basis for a Senate inquiry into the alleged "processing" of working journalists by the authorities in the aftermath of a controversial political event.

He said the Senate probe would also try to come out with rules of engagement that would cover media coverage during political events.

Abante said Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and PNP chief Avelino Razon will be invited as resource persons.

He said Metro Manila police chief Geary Barias, the ground commander, including representatives from the military who are involved in the operation, will also be invited to explain why police handcuffed reporters and cameramen and hauled them to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

ABS-CBN anchors Ces Drilon and Pinky Webb, GMA-7 reporter Sandra Aguinaldo, print media reporters, photographers and cameramen will also be invited. – Dennis Gadil and Wendell Vigilia