...... JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

WHAT’SiNSIDE Drug war Clash of Each side fought a None the values heated battle for wiser Blogging was not credibility and The press failed invented for public sympathy, to connect the journalists and with the press dots in reporting may not be an basically taking a the major political ideal medium for bystander stance. crises of 2008. them.

n By Debbie A. Uy

AVE THE Philippine media become more open to criticism of their coverage and re- porting? A recent complaint against top broadcasting company ABS-CBN 2 is an in- structive study on the media’s lapses, im- Hprovements in their response to criticism, and what more can be done. The remark Last Jan. 8, a coalition of The report groups held a rally in front of That night on ABS-CBN 2’s the Israeli embassy in Makati to primetime newscast TV Patrol protest Israel’s attacks in Gaza. World, a headline said, “Pasasa- The program featured different bugin ang embahada (Israeli em- speakers on various topics re- bassy, threatened with bomb- lated to the conflict. The protest- ing)!”while showing the protest- ers appealed to the Philippine ors marching. government to take action, and In its lead-in, the report said, for the US and Israeli govern- “Samantala, sumugod sa ments to stop the violence. They embahada ng Israel sa Makati also threw shoes at the Israeli Turn to page14 flag. One of the speakers, preacher Ahmad Barcelon, during his talk said, “Marami ang tumawag sa akin na gustuhin nilang bombahin ang embahadang ito. Ngunit, hindi ko sila pinapa- hintulutan (Many have told me that they want to bomb this em- bassy. But I didn’t allow them).” WHEN THE MEDIA STEREOTYPE Photos by PJR REPORTS 2 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... editor’sNOTE PUBLISHED BY THE CENTER FOR MEDIA FREEDOM & RESPONSIBILITY

Melinda Quintos de Jesus Publisher

Luis V. Teodoro Editor

Hector Bryant L. Macale Assistant Editor

Melanie Y. Pinlac Watch your back Kathryn Roja G. Raymundo Edsel Van DT. Dura AVAO BROADCASTER Alexander Adonis was the condition that Adonis attend a press conference with Jamaica Jane J. Pascual finally released after two years in prison on a Nograles, during which he would embrace the Speaker Reporters Dconviction for libel. But the circumstances in and thank him for his liberty. Adonis, who himself pro- which he was released are as disturbing as his incarcera- vided this information to colleagues, wisely refused to be Arnel Rival tion and the events that immediately followed it. part of that spectacle. Art Director Adonis was convicted of libel for a report which alleged It would be interesting to know exactly what kind of that House Speaker Prospero Nograles had been caught in relationship obtains between the NPC and Speaker Lito Ocampo an embarrassing situation in a Manila hotel during a tryst Nograles which led it to take advantage of Adonis’ under- Photographer with an alleged mistress, and was sentenced to a prison standable desire to be released, even if it be at the expense term of five months to four years. Adonis was paroled after of defending the press freedom to which the NPC has had a Carol M. Paragele serving nine months of his sentence, but was not told less than consistent commitment. As Adonis’ former Editorial Secretary about it until five months after the order was issued. This counsel Harry Roque has pointed out, the apology Adonis anomaly was followed by another: the prison warden made—apparently on the basis of the NPC information Jose Abueva refused to release him on the argument that another libel that that was what Nograles expected—was totally unnec- Joaquin Bernas, SJ complaint had been filed against him—based on the same essary, since he had been paroled and what’s more, had Melinda Quintos de Jesus report, but this time by the alleged Nograles mistress. filed bail for the second libel suit, which was itself an Fulgencio Factoran The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and anomaly since it was based on the same report on the same Maribel Ongpin the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility filed a incident. Tina Monzon Palma habeas corpus petition before the Supreme Court. Before Apparently it’s not just the politicians, or big business, Paulynn Paredes Sicam the Court could act, however, the National Press Club the military and the police journalists have to worry Luis V. Teodoro (NPC) apparently brokered an agreement between Adonis about as far as defending press freedom is concerned. Vergel O. Santos and Nograles’ friend in which Adonis would apologize in Journalists also have to watch their own ranks, and Board of Advisers exchange for his release. The NPC has denied brokering watch them carefully. the release. Its president claimed, rather disingenuously, ...... that he had merely informed Adonis that Nograles wanted * * * * * * an apology, which under the circumstances was inter- preted by Adonis as a suggestion. Adonis in fact complied, This is the first issue of a reformatted PJR Reports. The PJR Reports and was subsequently released. reformat is the third for PJR Reports, and is intended to (Philippine Journalism Review What disturbs is the jail warden’s cavalier indifference complete its departure from the magazine format that Reports) is published by the to Philippine law as well as the demonstration of the power gave it birth. Center for Media Freedom and politicians have within their turfs. But equally disturbing Responsibility. All mail should be is the NPC’s involvement, which seems to have included Luis V. Teodoro addressed to:

PJR Reports Center for Media Freedom PRESSED FREEDOM Manix Abrera and Responsibility 2/F Ateneo Professional Schools, 130 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227

Phones: (632) 840-0889/(632) 840-0903 (632) 894-1314/(632) 894-1326 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.cmfr-phil.org

PJR Reports welcomes feedback and contributions on press and media issues...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 3 frontPAGE speaking of A demonstration on the Gaza crisis leads to a heated exchange MEDIA between TV giant ABS-CBN 2 and a rally participant. Spate of killings away the editorial prerogatives of jour- “This is a problem that refuses to go nalists to print what they deem fit. away. Last Monday morning, radio Worse, this proposed law will intimidate commentator Ariceo (sic) Padrigao was journalists and prevent them from per- shot dead moments after he had dropped forming their watchdog functions be- off his daughter at the Bukidnon State cause the potential cost of doing their University in Gingoog City, Misamis job is rather high—fine, imprisonment Oriental. The two gunmen fled on a or closure. motorcycle as Padrigao lay dying from “It will, in other words, control what two gunshots to the jaw. the public reads, hears or sees in the in this “Padrigao, a so-called block-timer in media. Gingoog local station dxRS Radyo Natin, “No recent legislative proposal has was the seventh journalist murdered so brazenly attempted to violate the Bill this year. The figure is double the num- of Rights—‘No law shall be passed ISSUE ber of journalists killed in 2007, though abridging the freedom of speech, of ex- investigators say not all the murders pression, or of the press…’—than this JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 were work-related. In 2006, at the one. height of impunity in murdering jour- “For its own good, the Philippine nalists, 12 were killed, earning for the press should do better, and we certainly country the unwanted distinction of don’t need a repressive law for us to do When the Media Stereotype being the most “murderous” country better. The best way to counter this pro- DEBBIE A. UY ...... 1 in the world for media members, and posed law is to prove that its premise is The “Alabang Boys” Controversy the second most dangerous after Iraq. wrong, that regardless of our shortcom- Who Bribed Whom? “Amid the outcry over the murders ings, we have the capacity to be accu- EDSEL VAN DT. DURA ...... 6 and forced disappearances of journal- rate and fair. Never mind balance, ists and left-wing militants, most of never mind objectivity. Just mind ac- Ping Pong Coverage of a Golfers’ Brawl which went unsolved, the United Na- curacy and fairness.” KATHRYN ROJA G. RAYMUNDO ...... tions sent a special rapporteur to Ma- 7 Carlos H. Conde, explaining the Crisis and Scandals nila. After meeting with various sec- reasons why the right of reply bill tors and government officials, Philip should not be passed, Philippine Human A Public that’s None the Wiser Alston concluded that the military, ac- PJR REPORTS STAFF ...... Rights Reporting Project, Nov. 28 10 cused of extrajudicial killings, was in a Commentary The Gaza Crisis state of “almost complete denial” of the “The fear of media practitioners that murders and disappearances. Following the bill on right of reply will curtail the Not as Distant as the Media Think the submission of his report to the UN, freedom of the press is completely un- H. HARRY L. ROQUE JR...... 15 there was a marked drop in the num- founded, based on the following reasons: Terror in Mumbai ber of attacks, with only three journal- “The bill on right of reply merely Limited View, Narrow Perspective ists murdered last year. gives persons to express the other side KATHRYN ROJA G. RAYMUNDO ...... 17 “As the murder of Padrigao shows, of a controversy in which they are un- Commentary however, the problem persists. Though duly maligned, with more or less he paid for radio time to air his views, equal treatment as the report being Bombers into Heroes Padrigao was said to be a hard-hitting WARIEF DJAJANTO BASORIE ...... 18 questioned. commentator, tackling corruption in “This bill will instill a greater sense Covering Pacquiao local affairs. A task force formed spe- of responsibility among journalists, and Predictable, Trivial, and Tedious cifically to address attacks on journal- even boost the credibility and objectiv- HECTOR BRYANT L. MACALE ...... 19 ists is still considering whether its man- ity of the media, while at the same time, Keeping Focused date covers block-timers and whether enhance the freedom of expression of the Padrigao’s killing was work-related. As people. Fighting Impunity of yesterday the police could not yet say “This bill recognizes the fact that the MELANIE Y. PINLAC ...... 21 if it had leads on the case. freedom of the press in this country is Above the Law? “Whether or not the murder was not absolute. The spirit of fair play and Broacaster Released, But... work-related, Padrigao’s killers must be balanced reporting ordains that both GERMELINA LACORTE ...... 23 caught, together with whoever might sides of the controversy are presented, have ordered the hit. Every unsolved thereby requiring the corresponding NUJP Ousts Chair over Ethics Issue murder emboldens others to commit obligation to allow the publication of LUIS V. TEODORO WITH REPORTS FROM EDSEL VAN DT. DURA AND the same crime, thinking that they can replies from persons unduly maligned JAMAICA JANE J. PASCUAL ...... 24 get away with it. This culture of impu- by the media. Blogging and Journalism nity cannot be allowed to take root.” “Ultimately, the enactment of the A Clash of Values The Philippine Star editorial, right of reply will redound to the ben- CARLOS H. CONDE ...... 28 condemning the killing of Arecio efit of the media practitioners.” Padrigao last Nov. 17 by a killer Luzviminda D. Lavarias of the Office of REGULAR SECTIONS onboard a motorcycle, Nov. 19 Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., on the right of reply bill passed by the Senate, Editor’s Note 2 • Speaking of Media 3 • Monitor 4 • Crisis 25 • Legislating the right of reply Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oct. 31. “In one fell swoop, the proposed Right Pimentel is the main sponsor of the Chronicle 26 • Obit 27 of Reply law will undermine or take Senate version of the right of reply bill. 4 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... CHEERS MONITOR JEERS JEER Yearning for a past era? JEERS TO the Philippine press for its insistence on refer- ring to Maria Ejercito, the mother of former president OF THE Joseph Estrada, “Doña Mary”. When she died last Jan. 13, much of the press kept referring to MONTH her as “Doña Mary” instead of just simply saying Trivializing tragedy “Ejercito” or “Mrs. Ejercito.” JEERS TO ABS-CBN 2 Was the press for stereotyping in its just being too kind reporting on a rally against to the deceased Israel’s military offensive in lady or is the coun- Gaza. A Jan. 5 rally at the Israel embassy PJR REPORTS try in a time warp Members and supporters and is once again of more than 30 organiza- rallyists with the headline ment to take action, and ap- under Spanish oc- Estrada and Luis Singson at Mrs. Ejercito’s wake tions protested last Jan. 8 be- “Pasasabugin ang embahada pealed to the U.S. and Israeli cupation? n fore the Israeli embassy in (Israeli embassy, threatened governments to stop,” Docena PJR REPORTS Manila to condemn the Is- with bombing)!” wrote. “Instead of reporting on raeli attack on Gaza, which Bandila carried a similar re- the substance of our actions, started last Dec. 27. At least port that night. Top Story, the however, your report zeroed in leading headline on the sup- 1,200 Palestinians have afternoon news program of on one particular statement of posed threat “without saying been killed, a third of them ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) a speaker, distorted it, and sen- it had been defused.” children, while at least 5,300 also aired the report except for sationalized it.” “I’ve spoken with the have been wounded. On the the “bomb threat” angle. All Although most of the rallyists newsgathering team as well Israeli side, 13 have been three reports were filed by the were Muslims, Docena added, “a as the producers who handled killed including three civil- same reporter. large number of us are non-Mus- this story so we can do a bet- ians. In his open letter to the net- lims concerned about the war: a ter job in the future,” Ressa TV Patrol World intro- work (that led to several emails quick scan of our colorful flags wrote. duced its report on the event between him and network ex- would show that many of us That ABS-CBN 2’s top with: “Samantala, sumugod ecutives), Herbert Docena—who came from secular progressive news executives took the time sa embahada ng Israel sa is with the Stop the War Coali- civil society groups, non-govern- to reply to Docena is com- Makati ang mga galit na Mus- tion Philippines involved in the mental organizations, trade mendable as an indication of lim. May nagbanta pang rally—raised numerous points unions, social movements and the network’s taking audi- pasasabugin daw ang against the TV Patrol report. political parties. Many of us are ence complaints seriously. embahada kapag hindi natigil “Your reporting is danger- Christians.” But it doesn’t detract from the ang mga pag-atake ng ous: Portraying us as just ‘an- “Your report is not only pa- fact that the fracas was the puwersang Israeli sa Gaza gry Muslims’ (“Sumugod ang tently erroneous and imbal- result of the ABS-CBN 2 city (Meanwhile, angry tatlong-daang mga galit na Mus- anced, it also fans the flames of reporter’s obvious effort to Muslims stormed the Israeli lim”) hell-bent on bombing Is- hatred and moves the world far- sensationalize, and in the pro- embassy in Makati. Someone rael. This fuels the stereotype ther and farther away from cess distort, a story that has even warned that the em- of Muslims as pathologically ir- peace,” Docena wrote. earned time and space in bassy will be bombed if Israeli rational terrorists who have no In her reply to Docena, much of global media for its forces do not stop their at- grounds whatsoever for de- Charie Villa, ABS-CBN 2 news- humanitarian dimensions tacks on Gaza city).” manding justice; it bolsters the gathering head, said that she and Israel’s possible commis- The report said that over misguided assumption that watched the stories aired on TV sion of war crimes. 300 Muslims rallied before only terrorists (i.e. Muslims) Patrol, Bandila and Umagang By appealing to the worst the embassy. It added: could possibly be opposed to Kay Ganda and read the scripts anti-Muslim sentiments of “Babala ng isang Muslim Israel’s war crimes. of the rally. “Contrary to your most Filipino viewers, the preacher, may nagbabanta Barcelon, the Muslim claims, I found the stories accu- reporter’s take on the protest LITO OCAMPO na na pasabugin ang preacher who spoke at the rally rate,” she wrote. joined the ranks of all those embahada ng Israel (A Mus- “did not reveal that we She also claimed that what other stories that obscure the Exploring alternatives lim preacher warned that planned to bomb the embassy, the network reporter said was: real and pressing humanitar- there are those that threat- as your reporter explicitly “Sa kasagsagan ng ulan...nag- ian crisis in Gaza, which pan- CHEERS TO the Philippine ened to bomb the embassy).” claimed, nor did he or anyone martsa ang mahigit tatlong der to the worst prejudices of Daily Inquirer for provid- TV Patrol then showed the for that matter threaten to daang muslim, patungong Is- media consumers, trivialize ing readers a look into an alter- preacher, Ahmad Barcelon, bomb the embassy, as your rael embassy (During a down- tragedy, and therefore help native to the prevailing global as saying: “Marami ang headline claimed,” Docena pour, more than three hundred perpetuate what’s happening economic and financial system tumawag sa akin na gustuhin wrote. “What Barcelon did say Muslims marched to the Israeli in that desperate land. ABS- of neoliberal capitalism. nilang bombahin ang was that he has been receiving embassy).” CBN 2 needs to censure the re- In a commentary last Jan. 5, embahadang ito. Ngunit, hindi calls to bomb the embassy but In a follow-up letter, Maria porter and her/his crew and University of the Philippines ko sila pinapahintulutan that he had been restraining his Ressa, ABS-CBN 2 news and cur- to lecture them on the respon- development studies professor (Many have told me that callers.” (emphasis by Docena) rent affairs department head, sibilities attendant to the vast Roland Simbulan discussed the they want to bomb this em- “During the program, reiterated that their story was powers of the media, espe- Bolivarian Alternative to the bassy. But I didn’t allow speaker after speaker explained not anti-Muslim. We did not ste- cially Big Media. Americas (Alba), which he de- them).” The report ended the historical roots of the vio- reotype them as “angry Mus- (For a discussion of the ethi- scribed as “an alternative form with an interview with Is- lence in the Middle East, refuted lims”, she wrote. But she did cal dimensions of stereotyp- of regional integration that is raeli ambassador to the Phil- the myths and fallacies widely agree with two of Docena’s points: ing, see Debbie A. Uy’s “When not based on trade liberaliza- ippines Zvi Vapni. propagated in the media, im- the presence of non-Muslim the Media Stereotype” on tion.” Alba is “based on the vi- TV Patrol twice showed the plored the Philippine govern- groups in the rally and the mis- page 1 & 14.) n sion and idea of social welfare and equity, advocating a so- ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 5 CHEERS MONITOR JEERS cially oriented trade bloc. It is a that his knowledge of allegedly regional solidarity network anomalous transactions by BW whose purpose is to eradicate Resources, a company owned by the poverty of the most dispos- billionaire and a known Estrada sessed sectors of society,” ally Lucio Tan, which was be- Simbulan explained. “Its linch- ing investigated by the Senate pin is to allow the economically in 2000 could have been an- weakest countries to gain more other reason; and (3) that it was favorable terms in trade nego- his adverse relationship with tiations, thereby undercutting former Presidential Anti-Orga- the prerogatives of profit- nized Crime Task Force driven transnational corpora- (PAOCTF) chief and now Sen. tions.” Simbulan also enumer- Panfilo “Ping” Lacson which led ated Alba’s projects that are to his killing. currently being implemented The episode was aired as the in Latin America. LITO OCAMPO press reported that Supt. Glenn “It represents a new form of Dumlao and Senior Supt. Cesar sources, it explained “that the for months. international relations that is Mancao, two former PAOCTF couple held their dog and made To be fair, Malaya is just one worth watching,” he wrote. members allegedly involved in the animal penetrate the vic- of several papers that publish the Dacer-Corbito murder, were tim.” advertisements below the front apprehended in the U.S. and At the same time, the report page fold, although it is noted HTTP.//WWW.TANAUAN-LEYTE.GOV.PH will be deported back to the Phil- would have been more reliable for consistently running one- ippines. Case Unclosed also if it had named an identifiable fourth page ads on its front ...And still more looked into how the return of source. The date of the alleged page. Dumlao and Mancao could af- rape was not disclosed either. During these times when is- JEERS TO Teledyaryo for fect the outcome of the Dacer- Clearly, the report was meant sues are aplenty and the people passing off an advertorial Corbito murder trial. n to appeal to the reader’s worst need as much information as as a feature segment. Last Dec. instincts. possible, the front page is better 24, Teledyaryo reported the al- dedicated to information rather leged Filipino “tradition” of eat- Missing side than the vending of this or that ing lechon or roast pig during product. the Christmas and New Year JEERS TO the Manila Bul- feasts. The segment opened with letin for an incomplete re- a shot of the façade of a well- port on the alleged willingness known lechon supplier. It then went on to interview the owner, HTTP://ORANGESQUARED.WORDPRESS.COM of the country’s three biggest oil companies to show their audit prefacing it with the allegation Probing the sad state books to the Bureau of Internal that “Kung walang lechon, hindi Revenues (BIR) as challenged by kumpleto ang handaan. Tala- of education some members of the Congress. gang hindi masaya ang tao kung The Dec. 1 report, “Three big walang lechon. ‘Yan ang CHEERS TO the Philippine oil firms ready to open books for nakagawian nating mga Pilipino Daily Inquirer for its three- audit”, provided the views of …More ads (The feast is not complete with- part special on the dismal state only two of the three players. out the lechon. People would not of basic education in the Philip- be happy without lechon. That JEERS TO The Philippine pines. Published from Dec. 2 to is our tradition as Filipinos).” Ads for news… Star for choosing revenues 4, the Inquirer featured Antonio There were also interviews with over credibility. Last Nov. 30, Calipio Go, who has decided to customers—who were of course JEERS TO Malaya (now it published a four-page adver- briefly abandon his 12-year ad- all praises for the products of the known as Malaya Busi- tisement printed on bookpaper vocacy against error-filled text- lechon supplier. ness Insight) for surrendering which it placed in The Philippine books because of what he claims valuable space to ads. Malaya Star Sunday Lifestyle issue. is a media vilification campaign has been publishing one-fourth What is troubling is the paper Background plus against him. It also reported the page advertisements on its front actually lent its name, banner, continued use of problematic page—the most coveted part in and style format to a vitamin CHEERS TO GMA-7’s Case LITO OCAMPO textbooks in some schools, and a newspaper for advertising— water product. The ad appeared Unclosed for its re-exami- the generally sorry state of edu- exactly like the front page and nation of the Nov. 24, 2000 kill- Fighting pornography cation in the country. inside pages of the daily. The ing of publicist Salvador articles were also written by “Bubby” Dacer and his driver CHEERS TO GMANews.TV Explicit description Star lifestyle reporters. Of Emmanuel Corbito. The Decem- for its November 18 article course, all articles praised the ber 4 episode featured the wit- explaining the legal and social JEERS TO The Philippine product’s features and why the nesses’ accounts of how Dacer aspects, particularly the lack of Star for a sensationalized public needs to buy the product. and Corbito were kidnapped a specific law against it, of why report. An article draws attention in and killed by a group of un- and how child pornography re- The Jan. 16 article “Couple particular to the line, “Philip- known men. Case Unclosed also mains prevalent in the country, forces maid to have sex with pine Star asks… Why put vita- talked to one of Dacer’s daugh- (“Child pornography: Evil that dog” (p. 18, Metro section) was mins in your water?” ters, as well as his friends and preys silently on poor Filipino apparently published to arouse Manila Bulletin also pub- former clients, on the possible children”, http://www.gma prurient interest. lished a false cover advertise- motives behind the killing. news.tv/story/134282/Child- The crime was inherently ment for a grilled chicken res- From the interviews and docu- pornography-Evil-that-preys- sensational, but the report taurant last Jan. 9. PJR Reports ments came the following pos- silently-on-poor-Filipino-chil- would not have been more dis- already jeered Bulletin for dis- sibilities: (1) that Dacer was dren). It also mentioned the role turbing had it provided more guising an anti-dandruff sham- killed for his alleged participa- of new technologies in the spread details of the incident. Using poo advertorial as its front page tion in the plot to oust then of child pornography in the Phil- anonymous court officials as on Aug. 10, 2007. n president Joseph Estrada; (2) ippines. n 6 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

The “Alabang boys” controversy WHO BRIBED WHOM? Each side fought a heated battle for credibility and public sympathy, with the press basically taking a bystander stance.

Gonzalez Photos by LITO OCAMPO n By Edsel Van DT. Dura

HE MEDIA coverage of the suspected bribery cases, which are capital offenses, of government officials for the release of three should be kept under detention drug suspects lacked the critical information while their cases are pending or needed to help the public form a tentative but under review. The decision should not have intelligent opinion on the allegations. been circulated without his im- TPJR Reports monitored me- ing through buy-bust opera- primatur, Gonzalez said. dia coverage from Dec. 23 un- tions in Quezon City and Ayala But both Chief State Prosecu- til Jan. 10, three days after the Alabang Village by the agents tor Jovencito Zuño and John first two sessions of the House of of the Philippine Drug Enforce- Resado said the circular had Representatives probe on the ment Agency (PDEA). been ignored by the DOJ for controversy. It covered the Using anonymous sources, years. The press should have three major newspapers (Ma- the Dec. 23 Star article reported latter (revised Inquirer.net head- adverting to the Court of Ap- checked if this was indeed the nila Bulletin, Philippine Daily In- that the Brodett family allegedly line “On noontime TV: PDEA peals (CA) bribery scandal late case, but did not. quirer, and The Philippine Star); offered P50 million to prosecutors chief, ‘Alabang boys’ lawyer last year. Resado authored the resolu- three major television news to immediately dismiss the case tangle”) article’s lead went: “It “It’s incredible. It seems these tion dismissing the case. Zuño, programs (TV Patrol World of against the three suspects. But was a phone-patch showdown people are wealthier than who has been with the DOJ for ABS-CBN 2 and 24 Oras of GMA- the Star’s “reliable source” said he that fired up noontime news like Meralco,” Gonzalez said in a Dec. 15 years, signed the resolution 7 as well as Teledyaryo of the was not sure if the prosecutors ac- the climax of a soap opera.” 30 Inquirer report. along with state prosecutors government-run NBN-4); and cepted the bribe. Another Inquirer article, CA Justice Jose Sabio claimed Philip Quimpo and Misael online news organizations (abs- Two PDEA officials, speaking “DOJ lawyer says he’s been hav- that businessman Francis de Ladaga. cbnNEWS.com, GMANews.tv, on condition of anonymity, also ing sleepless nights” (Jan. 6, p. Borja offered him P10 million in More importantly, the press Inquirer.net, Newsbreak, The confirmed the bribery allega- A4) was also an example of the behalf of Manila Electric Co. should have also made its own Daily PCIJ of the Philippine Cen- tions. The PDEA officials also al- way the press appeared to be (Meralco) in the GSIS-Meralco assessment of the processes in- ter for Investigative Journal- leged that PDEA director general competing for the best defense case. volved in the proper conduct of ism, and VERA Files). Dionisio Santiago was offered a story for each camp. buy-bust operations or in the The monitor showed that the gold Rolex watch to drop the As of press time, the alleged Crucial issues handling of drug cases in par- press merely depended on state- complaint. pay-off had not yet been substan- The allegations, though still ticular. ments from the parties involved Santiago denied the allega- tiated. Neither did the Senate doubtful due to the refusal of the Gonzalez claimed that the in the issue and did not investi- tion, but said the families of the hearings turn up any clear evi- supposed whistleblowers to di- appointment of Marcelino was gate the charges on its own. The suspects were determined to ex- dence confirming that the brib- vulge more information, have unconstitutional. Citing Article coverage thus became a heated haust all possible means to se- ery attempt indeed happened. also caused the weaknesses in 16, Section 5 of the 1987 Philip- battle for credibility and public cure their release. He said in the Major Ferdinand Marcelino the government’s battle against pine Constitution, he said mili- sympathy, with the press basi- Star report that some people of PDEA, did not name to the me- illegal drugs to surface. tary officers are prevented from cally taking a bystander stance. close to one of the suspects had dia his supposed classmate at The news media were able to holding civilian positions in offered a bribe of P20 million. the Philippine Military Acad- touch on them when they re- government. Media hype The controversy proved an emy who acted as emissary for ported on other dismissed drug Does this mean that any The Star reported the bribery opportunity for the press to re- one of the suspects’ family. He cases and alleged DOJ interven- drug case filed by the PDEA can attempt in its Dec. 23 story view flaws in the justice system. named the person, but during a tion on other cases. But the press easily be junked via a technical- “Drug suspects’ kin offer Depart- But the press was predomi- closed-door hearing after the has not been very thorough and ity since some PDEA officers, ment of Justice (DOJ) P50-M nantly hooked on the drama and first public hearing conducted particularly enlightening by like Marcelino, are also serving bribe” (Metro section, p. 14) The personalities involved in the is- by the House oversight commit- comprehensively addressing it. in the military? press soon followed up on the is- sue. The exchanges of accusa- tee on dangerous drugs. To begin with, there was al- In this context, the press, as sue. When the Inquirer tions and the word war between Marcelino disclosed three ready a media furor even when public educator and watchdog of bannered the story last Dec. 28 government officials gained bribe offers made to him rang- the Dec. 2 resolution signed by government, should provide (“P50-M drug bribe bared: DoJ more prominence while discus- ing from P3 million to P20 mil- the DOJ prosecutors was leaked. more analyses to help expand drops raps vs 3 rich kids in buy- sions on the merits of the case lion. Marcelino, a Marines of- The decision was not yet final. any discussion on the govern- bust”), the controversy became were buried in the inside pages. ficer, currently heads the Gonzalez cited Memorandum ment’s drug enforcement poli- front-page news. Inquirer headlines like PDEA’s Special Enforcement Circular No. 46 which requires cies. After all the Philippines Last Sept. 20, Richard “Brodetts vs Brodetts” (front- Service which conducted the an “automatic review of dis- has become a major hub of the Brodett, Jorge Joseph, and Jo- page Jan. 8) and “PDEA chief, buy-bust operation. missed cases involving viola- drug trade in Asia, which makes seph Tecson—reportedly the sons ‘Alabang boys’ lawyer face off on DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez tions of RA No. 9165 or the Dan- drug trafficking and all its com- of rich and influential families— noontime TV” (p. A4, Jan. 6) said he had “reservations” about gerous Drugs Act.” He said sus- plexities the stuff of which news were arrested for drug traffick- are among the examples. The the alleged bribery attempts by pects in drugs and smuggling is made. n ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 7 PING PONG COVERAGE OF A GOLFERS’ BRAWL The press mainly relied on information from the personalities involved. Because of the conflicting accounts of the incident, the public could not make out from the coverage who was telling the truth.

n By Kathryn Roja G. Raymundo incident was an example of how a media organization could have HE MASSIVE online interest on the fight balanced somewhat the resulting anti-Pangandaman (and anti- between the families of Agrarian Reform Muslim) sentiments among read- Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and ers and viewers (“Pangan- businessman Delfin De La Paz at the Valley damans’ ‘sober image’ soiled”, p. Golf and Country Club in Antipolo City last A1). “Before the brawl, the name Dec.T 26 eventually caught the attention of the mainstream Pangandaman was associated with a Cabinet member or with press. a diplomat-turned-governor of Despite the attention, how- the Autonomous Region in Mus- ever, the coverage was deficient Initial reports and lim Mindanao (ARMM),” the re- and biased. The press mainly commentaries port said, providing a different relied on information from the look at the Pangandamans. personalities involved without largely favored the corroboration from independent Generalizations and biases sources. Because of the conflict- De La Paz family Tulfo launched his diatribe ing accounts between the two against Muslims despite the pau- families and other supposed wit- because the city of details on the incident, nesses on what happened, the Pangandamans particularly the absence of the public could not make out from Pangandamans’ version of it. A the ping-pong coverage who was were not available mere day after the Inquirer re- telling the truth. ported the incident (“Golf club PJR Reports monitored three for comment suspends DAR chief over brawl”, newspapers (Philippine Daily In- Dec. 29, p. A1), Tulfo wrote in quirer, The Philippine Star, and his Dec. 30 column: “The maul- Manila Bulletin), three news pro- reaction by other bloggers and ing incident at the Valley Golf grams (TV Patrol World, 24 Oras, online users. Club in Antipolo involving the and Teledyaryo), and selected The press ran the story a few mayor-son of Agrarian Reform online news sites from Dec. 26 days after. The initial reports Secretary Nasser Pangandaman to Jan. 10. and commentaries largely fa- is not surprising given the arro- vored the De La Paz family be- gance of some officials who belong Versions cause the Pangandamans were to a cultural minority group.” He Marie Dhel “Bambee” De La not available for comment (so then cited instances that showed Paz broke the news at her blog the reports said)—and because, “abuse of power by some Muslim Photos by LITO OCAMPO Vicissitude that the son of the let’s face it, it’s easy to assume officials” which he claimed has Agrarian Reform secretary, that all politicians, especially first and that his family only re- sary to expect the press to talk been abetted by the Arroyo ad- Masiu, Lanao del Sur Mayor Muslim ones, must be at fault. acted in self-defense. to the Pangandaman family ministration. Nasser Pangandaman Jr. with Unfortunately for the Which is a lesson in patience, and/or the officials of Valley “Our brother and sister other men allegedly beat her 56- Pangandamans, while they re- since before the Pangandamans Golf first. Failing this, there Muslims complain they are year-old father Delfin and 14- mained unavailable the whole De decided to break their silence, were other sources other than looked down upon as ‘second year-old brother, Bino Lorenzo La Paz family found time enough the accounts were so one-sided the De La Paz family the press class citizens’,” he added. “But over a “stupid misunderstanding to talk to the entire Philippine that Inquirer columnist Ramon could have consulted to verify have they bothered to ask on the golf course (http://vicis- media. Only much later did the Tulfo could not resist venting the story. There were the police why their non-Muslim com- situde-decidido.blogspot.com/ elder Pangandaman say that his usual anti-Muslim spleen blotter and/or investigations, patriots look at some of them 2008/12/world-is-fucked- people had been told a distorted by claiming that what the medical records, and indepen- with contempt?” up.html).” Her blog post “The and even patently false version Pangandamans supposedly did dent witnesses available. “There’s a saying that if one world has gone crazy” told her of the incident. Pangandaman was typical of Muslim politi- The Jan. 1 Inquirer report on wants respect from his fellow- version of what happened that Sr. said it was the businessman cians. Before releasing the the perceived “sober image” of men, he should respect them day, which triggered a massive and his children who attacked story, it seems hardly neces- the Pangandamans prior to the first,” Tulfo wrote. 8 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

In detail power movement, lodged in the With the possible exception of Columns and Internet, (which) has emerged Tulfo’s, and as expected, the col- op-ed pieces and has intervened forcefully to umns and op-ed pieces provided seize the public opinion initia- both the perspective and the con- provided the tive. It has drawn people to take text lacking in the news reports. sides on behalf of the victims of Danilo Araña Arao in his col- perspective and injustice and the abuse of power umn “Pampublikong galit, midya by persons in authority” (“Blog at ‘Valley Golf Brawl’ (Mass an- the context power”, p. A11). ger, media and ‘Valley Golf Babe Romualdez wrote a Brawl’)” provided an analysis on lacking in the similar column last Jan. 4 why the public was critical of (“Internet power”, Star). the involvement of the news reports Romualdez said “Public offi- Pangandamans (“Konteksto”, cials should especially be care- Pinoy Weekly, January 16-22 is- by journalist and blogger Carlos ful about the way they behave sue). Arao discussed the circum- H. Conde.) in public because their actions stances using the Code of Con- The Inquirer reported how are being closely watched, and duct and Ethical Standards for Bambee’s blog triggered various the minute they make a mis- Public Officials and Employees reactions online and off, and at step, the news can spread eas- or Republic Act No. 6713. home and abroad. “Dela Paz’s ily across the country through The incident highlighted blog entry drew more than 400 text and (can be) reported all “an unequal encounter be- Screen grab of Bambee De La Paz’s blog post which sparked massive public dis- over the world through the cussion of the incident responses from fellow bloggers, tween officials holding public many of whom wrote about the Internet.” authority and plain powerless the likes of the Pangandamans the incident hasn’t led to more story on their own blogs, and After receiving much public citizens,” columnist Amando and law enforcement and jus- than pro forma apologies from linked hers to theirs, with the criticism, Pangandaman Sr. Doronila wrote last Dec. 31 tice department officials, he Secretary Pangandaman (and intention, it seemed, of spread- appealed to the people, specifi- (“Abuse of power”, Inquirer). wrote. “It is a culture that propa- silence on the part of his son, the ing it in all cyberspace,” wrote cally the bloggers, to stop post- “This abuse of authority has gates arrogance and violence as mayor).” the Inquirer last Dec. 30, just ing unfavorable comments been the stamp of the violence a response to insurgencies that The issue “can be boiled down four days after she posted the en- about the family. that has defined the response of have now shifted to the parlia- to that line allegedly uttered by try (“Dela Paz blog on brawl The ABS-CBN News Channel the high officials of the admin- mentary arena from the mode Mayor Pangandaman: ‘Don’t heats up Net”, p. A5). When the talk show Media in Focus also dis- istration, in which Secretary of armed struggle. It is a culture you know who I am?’” it added. paper reported on her blog en- cussed the relationship of Pangandaman is a key Cabinet that has made a monster out of “For older Filipinos, the line used try two days after, the number blogging and journalism (Jan. member, to social and political retired Maj. Gen. Jovito to be, ‘What are we in power for?’ of comments on her original blog 15). The guests said while issues confronting it.” Palparan.” The line outraged citizens then; entry had already reached more blogging emphasized the faults Doronila added that the gov- In its Jan. 4 editorial, the its contemporary version out- than 700. On her follow-up en- of journalism in the golf club ernment has “an unabated Inquirer pointed out: “As many rages citizens today.” try expressing gratitude for the brawl, the incident also aroused record of violations of human an outraged blogger and online support, the number of the ire of the blogging commu- and political rights in a culture commenter on the Internet has The boon and bane of blogging comments reached more than nity and showed that it can of violence perpetrated by either put it, regardless of what actu- Some reports chose to look at 140 (“Bloggers whip up storm complement the role of journal- state security authorities or ally led to the beating up, the the role the Internet, particu- over Valley brawl”, p. A6). ism in informing the public as state functionaries enjoying assault on a minor is simply larly blogging, played in the golf In his Jan. 7 column, well as command the attention impunity from accountability.” unpardonable. The secondary club brawl. (Please turn to page Doronila wrote that the incident of the powerful to address the ails This is the culture which breeds issue is how public anger over 28 for a discussion of this issue showed there is “a new people of society. n ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 9 CRISES AND SCANDALS A PUBLIC THAT’S NONE THE WISER The press hopped from one controversy (and beat) to another without closing the gaps and providing the public the much-needed context to enable it to connect the dots.

n By the PJR Reports staff

HE PRESS clearly missed out on some impor- tant points on the biggest political crises that haunted the Arroyo presidency last year, al- though there were efforts to improve the cov- erage. Part of the reason: there were just too manyT scandals for reporters assigned to several beats to cover adequately. From moves to amend the Cha-cha rally in Makati last Dec. Constitution to the latest failed 12, and which approach to take Photos by LITO OCAMPO attempt to impeach Pres. Gloria in revising the Constitution. Macapagal Arroyo to the fertil- However, the press should stitution. This is the national financial crisis—despite the fact izer fund scam, the press thus have provided every informa- economy and patrimony section that such an amendment would hopped from one controversy tion and argument available of the charter. The resolution be in keeping with the neoliberal (and beat) to another without about the possible motives be- would “allow the acquisition by approach that has led to the cri- closing the gaps and providing hind the revival of calls to foreign corporations and associa- sis. the public the much-needed con- amend the Charter and its con- tions and the transfer or convey- The Star in one of its articles text to enable it to connect the sequences. Armed with suffi- ance thereto, of alienable public quoted Sen. Miriam Santiago dots. cient knowledge, the public and private lands.” Nograles thus: “My point is this, assum- should be able to decide whether and supporters said the resolu- ing the most innocent motive for THE CHARTER CHANGE ISSUE or not it will allow the proposed tion would be the answer to the Charter change (which) is to ad- Given its long life (it’s been amendments. threats of recession and global vance the Philippine economy by on the board for nearly a de- PJR Reports reviewed the amending or revising our eco- cade), the Charter change (Cha- Cha-cha coverage three news- nomic provisions, will it imme- cha) issue has enabled the press papers (Manila Bulletin, Philippine diately produce results so as help to look into most of the sub-is- Daily Inquirer, and The Philippine the Philippine economy next sues attached to it—except one Star), three news programs (TV year which will already be im- of the most important. The press Patrol World, 24 Oras, and pacted by the (world) financial has so far failed to provide the Teledyaryo), and selected online economy?” (“Speaker: NO GMA public any report on why gov- news sites from Dec. 8 to 19. term extension”, Dec. 1). ernment officials claim to be William M. Esposo in his “As pushing for the amendment of Overlooked I Wreck This Chair” column in the 1987 Constitution today—to On occasion, the press would the Star asked whether the pro- chuck its “restrictive” economic mention that Cha-cha is suppos- posed Cha-cha economic reform provisions to address the global edly being pursued by some of would deliver “good gover- financial crisis. its advocates for economic rea- nance, the rule of law, a predict- The press deserved praise for sons. But it has so far failed to able judiciary, peace and order, discussing a variety of issues on look into this angle with any a climate of industrial peace, Cha-cha. Most news reports and kind of depth. infrastructure that is at par opinion pieces focused on the fol- House of Representatives with ASEAN (Association of lowing angles: the term exten- Speaker Prospero Nograles filed Southeast Asian Nations) com- sion of incumbent officials, the House Resolution (HR) No. 737 petitors, affordable energy and personalities and organizations which seeks to change Article political stability” which he said for or against Cha-cha, the anti- XII Sections 2 and 3 of the Con- attract foreigners to invest 10 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Matias Defensor Jr. and Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, House justice committee chair and vice-chair respectively, at the height of the House proceedings on last year’s impeachment complaint against Arroyo. (“Why the biggest crooks are how the Constitution may be these many resolutions pending pushing for Cha-cha economic amended according to that docu- before the House committee. reform”, Dec. 11). ment itself. Some background on Another Esposo column last constitutional conventions, con- To stay in power Jan. 4 also asked what kind of stituent assemblies, and people’s Most reports on Cha-cha were economic reforms the support- initiatives would have helped. about the possible term exten- ers of Cha-cha would introduce Instead of amending the Con- sion of incumbent officials in- and what exactly they mean by stitution in its entirety, some cluding Arroyo. The press paid “reform”. He also enumerated members of the House of Repre- appropriate attention to this the questions that have sentatives have proposed to particular aspect of the issue as troubled the critics of Cha-cha, change some of its provisions a key reason why many oppose the best characteristics of the through the enactment of bills. amending the Constitution now. present Constitution, and ex- The press should have also It would have helped the public plained how the present charter looked into the legality of this better grasp the concerns of came about. move. some groups and individuals if Unfortunately, this kind of In a Star report, La Union Rep. the press emphasized the incon- contextualization was rare. Much Victor Ortega said there are at sistencies in the statements of of the press did not ask how the least 30 Cha-cha resolutions the Cha-cha advocates among elections to 2011 at the same 20, http://bulatlat.com/main/ Nograles resolution would help submitted before the House Arroyo officials. time extend the terms of office 2008/12/20/the-arroyo-gov- solve the country’s economic Committee on Constitutional For instance, if not for hu- of all elective officials including ernment-struggling-to-survive- problems, and what the effect of Amendments (“House panel to man rights lawyer Neri the president by a year. This till-2010-and-beyond/). allowing 100% land ownership resume Cha-cha hearing on Colmenares, HR 550 filed by was contrary to the statements The press kept a watchful by foreigners would be. January 27”, Jan. 4). The press Batangas Rep. Hermilando released by several government eye on the Supreme Court’s role For the answers to these ques- did not bother to mention what Mandanas would not have been officials that there were no plans in Cha-cha. Several reports tions, and given the current eco- the most relevant ones were, or known. The resolution aims to to extend the term of the presi- noted that with the forthcoming nomic crisis, an enterprising even to verify if there are indeed postpone the 2010 presidential dent and other incumbent offi- retirement of seven justices, journalist could have asked Con- cials. Mandanas has withdrawn Arroyo’s appointments could tilt stitutional and law experts as the resolution. the balance to her favor before well as economists to explain the 2009 even ends. Aries Rufo’s rationale and consequences of Forewarning “Supreme Court: GMA’s last the proposed changes. The press As what happens often, some card to extend term beyond could have produced reports cit- reports and commentaries pro- 2010” explored the possibility of ing the experience of other coun- vided the missing pieces in the the administration’s tinkering tries which allow full foreign Cha-cha coverage. with the Constitution and allow- land ownership and studies that The political year-ender of ing the president to stay in show the relationship among Bulatlat.com, “The Arroyo Gov- power beyond 2010 with Su- land ownership, investments, ernment: Struggling to Survive preme Court approval. (Jan. 3, and economic. Equally crucial till 2010 and Beyond” by Benjie http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/ is information on the current de- Oliveros explained why Arroyo nation/01/02/09/supreme- bate among neoliberal econo- would most probably not want to court-gma’s-last-card-extend- mists and the neo-Keynesians step down in 2010. The analysis term-beyond-2010). who are divided over the ques- included discussions on the dif- tion of whether state interfer- ferent controversies that hound UNIMPEACHABLE ence in economic matters is jus- the Arroyo administration and The renewed moves to tified or not. concluded that her probable rea- amend the Constitution came son for staying in power is the on the heels of the most recent Other misses immunity that protects the sit- impeachment complaint The press barely discussed De Venecia and son ting president from suits (Dec. against Arroyo...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 11

sectors represented by the com- plainants wide were broad),” he told PJR Reports. Missing in the coverage of the last impeachment complaint was the presentation and discus- sion of issues, Roque added, and that the impeachment process was not explained to the people. “Hindi masyadong na-emphasize iyong constitutional office nung impeachment at naging, again, personality-oriented dahil sa mag-amang De Venecia. Marami rin namang pumupuna na parang namarginalize ’yung iba’t ibang sector na naghain ng impeach- ment complaint (The constitu- tional office of the impeachment was not given enough emphasis and the issue became personal- ity-oriented because of the De Venecias. A lot of people noticed that the other sectors who pre- sented the impeachment com- plaint were marginalized.).” The media should be con- scious to the fact that the im- peachment complaint was not just conceptualized and filed by one person, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said. “(The press) should be conscious also that the impeachment was not being ad- vanced by only one person but by many groups, many indi- attention to the groups and per- viduals affected by the Arroyo More than evident sonalities who had put the com- regime.” was press fatigue plaint together or who co-spon- Former Arroyo official sored it. For example, many re- Corazon “Dinky” Soliman over covering the ports kept referring to the suit shared a similar view. The press as either the “De Venecia com- tried to sensationalize the cov- impeachment plaint” or “the complaint filed erage and made it personality- complaints that by Joey de Venecia III”, even if oriented, said Soliman, who re- there were other complainants. signed as social welfare secre- are annually filed These complainants included tary along with other Cabinet Karapatan deputy secretary officials at the height of the against Arroyo general Roneo Clamor; the “Hello Garci” scandal in 2005. Kilusang Mayo Uno’s Elmer The coverage should not have Labog; missing activists’ moth- focused solely on Joey de De Venecia, a former admin- ers Edita Burgos, Concepcion Venecia, but more on the fact istration ally, also linked Arroyo Empeño, and Erlinda Cadapan; that the complaint would not and her husband Jose Miguel to lawyer Harry Roque Jr.; Iloilo succeed just like previous at- the controversial national Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico; former tempts. The press did not explain broadband network (NBN) deal government officials; and repre- that the impeachment bid is a with Chinese firm Zhong Xing sentatives of various civil soci- constitutional process that is the Telecommunications Equip- ety groups. right of every citizen, she told ment (ZTE) Corp. De Venecia Except for the NBN-ZTE deal PJR Reports. was ousted as House Speaker in and alleged Palace payoff, the Because De Venecia’s state- Feb. 2008 after a falling out other charges against Arroyo ments and reactions were all over with Arroyo. During his were either not addressed at all the coverage, some readers and speakership, the administra- or were only minimally cov- viewers could not be faulted for tion-controlled House of Repre- ered. These included the ram- thinking that he was the initia- The press did cover the lat- focused on the accusation by sentatives had dismissed all im- pant human rights violations tor of the complaint, that he was est attempt to oust Arroyo from Pangasinan Rep. and former peachment complaints against during Arroyo’s watch and the just getting back at Arroyo for his the presidency, but much of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Arroyo since 2005. gold reserves contract for Mt. removal from the speakership by the coverage relied on “high- that Arroyo bribed him and The Manila newspapers em- Diwalwal. her House allies, and that, over profile” personalities involved other lawmakers during a phasized the views of De Venecia, In an interview with PJR Re- all, it was just another pointless in the controversy and their meeting in Malacanang on who endorsed the complaint. ports, Roque agreed that most politicians’ circus. statements. More than evident Oct. 11, 2007 to support a His son, Jose “Joey” III, who had media reports implied that the Voting 42-8, the House of was press fatigue over cover- weak impeachment complaint earlier exposed alleged irregu- impeachment was a “project” of Representatives Justice Com- ing the impeachment com- against her. That complaint, larities over the NBN deal, the De Venecia father and son. mittee dismissed last Nov. 26 plaints that are annually filed filed by lawyer Roel Pulido, joined in filing the latest im- And yet, “Hindi naman talaga the impeachment complaint, against Arroyo. was eventually dismissed by peachment complaint against totoo dahil napakalaki ng sektor the fourth such attempt against The Manila broadsheets the House of Representatives Arroyo. na nirepresent ng mga complain- Arroyo in three years, with the and much of television news then headed by De Venecia. The press did not pay much ant (That is not true, since the public none the wiser. n 12 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... A LOT OF QUESTIONS— BUT TOO FEW ANSWERS The press failed to connect the fertilizer fund scandal with the other issues that have haunted the Arroyo administration such as the “Hello Garci” election scandal in 2005.

Bolante connection with the legitimacy n By the PJR Reports staff issue hounding the Arroyo presi- dency. Revisiting what hap- UESTIONS REGARDING the alleged diver- pened in the 2004 national elec- sion of the P728-million Fertilizer Fund un- tions and explaining why and der the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) how Bolante became the center of this scam could have Program to the campaign funds of President contextualized the importance Q Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004 remain of Bolante’s return and the re- unanswered even with the return of former investigation of the fertilizer Department of Agriculture (DA) undersecretary Jocelyn fund better. “Joc-joc” Bolante from a failed asylum bid in the United Where are the others? States. Unfortunately, the national media did not provide Bolante might be the master much help in prodding the Senate to find the answers. planner who designed how the PJR Reports monitored the Philippine press. funds would be diverted to Mrs. coverage of the Bolante scandal The press also failed to con- Arroyo’s campaign kitty, but from Nov. 10 (date of the final nect the fertilizer fund scandal other government officials medical bulletin) until Dec. 5 with the other issues that have should be held accountable for (two days after the Senate or- haunted the Arroyo administra- Sen. Richard Gordon, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, in one of the Senate the misuse of the P728-million dered Bolante’s arrest for being tion, such as the “Hello Garci” hearings on the controversy Photos by LITO OCAMPO fund or, if we add the amount evasive and the day of the filing election scandal in 2005, the ers never received the fertilizer launched in 2005 on the P728- mentioned in the Feb. 11, 2004 of Bolante’s complaint about the increasingly repressive policies supposedly released for their million fertilizer fund. Quoting Special Allocation Release Or- Dec. 3 arrest). The monitor in- of the administration that un- use. The 13th Senate headed by the findings of the Commission der, more than P2 billion of the cluded three Manila-based broad- dermine civil liberties including the Blue Ribbon and Agriculture on Audit (COA) and the 13th taxpayers’ money. sheets (Manila Bulletin, Philippine press freedom, and attempts to committees launched a probe Senate on the fertilizer fund The PCIJ blog report last Oct. Daily Inquirer, and The Philippine change the Constitution, among into the alleged scam in Oct. scam, the Inquirer in its Nov. 14 27 also listed recommendations Star), three primetime news pro- others. 2005. “At A Glance” listed eleven to hold not only Bolante account- grams (ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol Since it has been almost four points “Why (mis)use of P728- able, but also former DA secre- World, GMA-7’s 24 Oras, and Missing context years since the controversy M fertilizer fund is a scam” (p. tary Luis Lorenzo, former DA government-run NBN-4’s Tele- The P728-million fertilizer erupted, most reports and com- A1 & A23). Undersecretary Ibarra Poliquit, dyaryo), and selected news fund scam story first came out mentaries in the broadsheets The Philippine Center for In- DA Undersecretary Belinda websites. in March 2004, a few weeks be- and online news sites contained vestigative Journalism (PCIJ) Gonzales, DA Assistant Secre- The news media were able to fore the national election, ac- two or more paragraphs on who also published last Oct. 27 in its tary Jose Felix Montes, and provide daily updates on the in- cording to Newsbreak in its Bolante is, his alleged role in the blog the highlights of the inquiry other regional directors under quiries conducted by the both timeline “Joc-joc Bolante and scam, and his hurried depar- by the Senate Blue Ribbon and the Plunder law and the Anti- houses of the 14th Congress and the Fertilizer Scam”. It men- ture in 2005. Several media or- Agriculture committees during Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. the Office of the Ombudsman. tioned that Inquirer reports on ganizations published timelines the 13th Congress in 2005 (“Wel- The Senate committee also said But noticeable throughout the Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s on the fertilizer fund scam come home, Joc-joc”, http:// Arroyo should be charged for monitoring period was the lack claim that Mrs. Arroyo was us- (“Helpful reminder”, PJR Re- www.pcij.org/blog/?p=3157). “mismanagement of funds”. of reports when no committee ing the fertilizer fund to buy ports, December 2008 issue, But missing in the coverage During the first weeks of his hearing was held. The coverage votes were published as early as p.4). were a focus on the findings of return, most news reports fo- on the probe on the P728-mil- March 2004. Some reports also tried to the COA and the Senate com- cused on how Bolante allegedly lion fertilizer fund once revealed In 2005, farmer groups and present the major points of the mittees in 2005, and more im- manipulated the fertilizer fund the reactive tendency of the other militant groups said farm- findings of the investigations portantly, the controversy’s in 2004. But when the hearings ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 13

The press also let several questions raised during the Senate and House inquiries on the fertilizer fund scam simply passed by without explaining them

ous controversies involving Cabinet members. The Star, for instance, discussed how Cabinet members invoked Executive Order 464 to elude Senate in- quiries (“Palace says it won’t stop Yap from testifying in Sen- ate”, Nov. 16, p.5). Commentaries and editorials criticized how the Ombudsman was handling the case. Some opinion pieces also tried to ex- plain the implications of the fer- tilizer fund on the political situ- ation of the Philippines. The Star pointed out the dan- gers of having a reenacted bud- get. In her Nov. 14 column, started, the press began to look Unanswered questions Marichu Villanueva explained at other government officials The press also let several that under a re-enacted budget and private individuals questions raised during the Sen- government agencies are al- charged before the Office of the ate and House inquiries on the lowed to use their savings as a Ombudsman and included in fertilizer fund scam simply continuing allocation. The col- the 2006 Senate joint commit- passed by without explaining umn also highlighted the point tee report and the COA findings. them. of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero Most of the reports carried the For example, the Bulletin that under Sec. 23 of AFMA the denials by these officials that highlighted Bolante’s claim that funds should be released directly they were involved in the fertil- the budget approved under the to rural banks and cooperatives izer fund project. Some reports General Appropriations Act and not to local government on the other hand tried to look (GAA) need not go through the units. into the whereabouts of the Office of the President. But the The Inquirer pointed out in its other accused in the misuse of Bulletin did not look into the GAA Nov. 20 editorial that even if it the fertilizer fund scam. For ex- to check if it was true. Another is true that there was no scam ample, 24 Oras in its Nov. 12 example was 24 Oras’s Nov. 13 Senators Manuel “Mar” Roxas III, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Joseph Marcelo as he claimed, Bolante could still report “Iba pang nadadawit sa report which noted several ques- “Jinggoy” Estrada during the Senate investigation of the fertilizer fund contro- be found guilty of technical mal- Fertilizer Fund Scam, nasaan tions Bolante failed to answer in versy. Roxas is holding the photo of slain journalist Marlene Esperat, who sued versation under Article 220 of na? (Where are the others allege his first appearance before the Bolante and other agriculture officials for alleged anomalies in the fertilizer fund the Revised Penal Code (“Their in the Fertilizer Fund Scam)?” 14th Senate. But rather than project. crime”, p. A12) . But the rest of tried to find out where Lorenzo, providing answers, 24 Oras just chose to avail of other products Teledyaryo bias the media did not look further Poliquit, Montes, and Gonzales left the audience guessing. like garbage shredders rather The coverage by govern- into this possibility. were. The report also pointed The news media could have than fertilizer. But the press ment-owned NBN-4’s Teledyaryo Although outside of the out that the inquiries were fo- provided a comprehensive dis- failed to check if official docu- was noticeably biased. Most of its monitoring period, PCIJ in its cused on Bolante despite the fact cussion of the government’s pro- ments do indicate that garbage reports during the monitoring Dec. 12 special report dis- that they should also be investi- curement process. How different shredders are included in the period highlighted the fact that cussed the measure taken by gating more than 200 officials government departments and Farm Inputs and Farm Imple- Bolante had cleared Mrs. Arroyo the opposition in the House to involved in the fertilizer fund agencies as well as local govern- ments program under the GMA and her spouse of involvement prevent a repeat of the diver- scam. ments secure funds for their program. There was no in-depth in the controversy. (Bolante had sion of the P728-million fund But despite providing space projects caught the public’s at- look at the GAA and the AFMA. even denied that there was a to personal campaign funds and airtime for the officials who tention when Bolante said Ar- Some reports however did ask scam at all.) Most of the footage (“House Opposition Seeks Caps denied receiving fertilizer or royo had no knowledge of the former Department of Budget used in NBN reports involving on Arroyo’s spending”, http:/ money or both, the press seldom P728-million budget for the and Management secretary and the fertilizer fund scandal were /www.pcij.org/i-report/ checked on the veracity of their Farm Inputs and Farm Imple- University of the Philippines of administration allies in the 2008/impoundment.html). It statements. The so-called na- ments project of the DA’s GMA professor Emilia Boncodin if it Senate and Malacañang offi- explained how it would have tional news organizations should program. This program of the was really possible that Arroyo cials. been possible for Arroyo to di- have revisited the localities and DA is under the Agriculture and did not know about the fund. When the name of current vert the funds legally. The checked if indeed the district rep- Fisheries Modernization Act Boncodin told 24 Oras that it was DA secretary Arthur Yap came problem in the case of Bolante, resentatives and mayors did not (AFMA). possible because not all budget out, several reports and com- Rep. Teofisto Guingona III said, receive or use the funds they The press also reported that releases need the signature of the mentaries reviewed how was how the fund was distrib- received. some officials in Metro Manila president. Malacañang had handled previ- uted to farmers. n 14 ...... • JAN The Gaza crisis WHEN TH

From page 1 NOT AS ang mga galit na Muslim. May nagbanta pang pasasabugin daw ang embahada kapag hindi natigil ang mga pag-atake ng puwersang DISTANT AS Israeli sa Gaza city (Meanwhile, angry Muslims stormed the Israeli embassy in Makati. Someone even warned that the embassy will be THE MEDIA bombed if Israeli forces do not stop their attacks on Gaza city).” The report said over 300 Mus- lims had marched to the Israeli THINK embassy to protest the Israeli of- fensive in Gaza which has killed their fellow Muslims and as well An anti-Israeli rally in Makati PJR REPORTS as non-combatants including women and children. The bulk of the from targeting civilians when the The video showed Israeli am- n By H. Harry L. Roque Jr. Israelis have seemingly gotten bassador Zvi Vapni saying the reportage by away with it? It is indeed ironic offensives would continue. HE Philippine media have allowed the crisis at the Philippine media that while the grave breaches of After showing the protestors Gaza strip to take a back seat to two on-going do- International Humanitarian hurling shoes at the Israeli flag, mestic issues: the “Alabang boys” and Valley Golf on the Gaza crisis Law (IHL) in Gaza have barely the report then said: “Babala ng T been discussed by the media, it is isang Muslim preacher, may Club incidents. has been on the today reporting on another seri- nagbabanta na na pasabugin ang While the distant location of be, it has nonetheless been ous breach of IHL: the kidnapping embahada ng Israel (A Muslim Gaza and its long history may largely instrumental in prevent- plight of OFWs of the three International Com- preacher warned that there are largely be to blame for the lack ing what the UN Charter de- stranded in the mittee of the Red Cross (ICRC) rep- those that threatened to bomb the of serious media discussion on the scribes as “the scourge of war”. resentatives in Sulo. embassy).” Gaza issue, it is imperative that This prohibition on the use of place of conflict Ultimately the Gaza issue It showed a clip of Barcelon the Philippine media, in line force is in fact the most impor- should be accorded equal impor- saying that he had received calls with its duty to educate, accord tant rule in the UN Charter and tance by the media as the from Muslims in Mindanao who equal importance to the crisis in one that has proven largely ef- portionality. Assuming Israel Alabang boys and the Valley Golf were saying that the Israeli em- Gaza. Perhaps unknown to me- fective in preventing armed con- may invoke self-defense against a incidents because it undermines bassy should be bombed, but that dia practitioners, it involves im- flicts on the same scale as those non-state actor, is the force it has the rule of law on the prohibition he had been chiding them. portant rule of law issues equally that ravaged humanity in the utilized proportional to the rocket against the unilateral use of The report then said that for relevant to the Philippines, what past two world wars. attacks launched against its ter- force and the ancient norm ac- the Philippine National Police, the with the armed conflicts involv- Why Israel has not opted to ritory? Surely, a complete dislo- cording the protection of civil- situation was under control. ing the New People’s Army have the Hamas issue debated in cation of the civilian populations ians and other non-combatants (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Lib- the Security Council is open to in Gaza belies proportionality. in times of armed conflicts, the The complaint eration Front (MILF), as well as speculation. The fact is that if the Meanwhile, the death toll as ICRC included. Upon seeing the report, our unresolved territorial con- Hamas rocket attacks are indeed a result of the crisis continues to The Gaza issue could spell di- Herbert Docena, one of the protest- troversies that may also lead to threats to international peace, rise. Included among the victims saster to countries like the Phil- ors and a representative of the further armed conflicts. the international community are protected individuals under ippines. For while Israel may Stop the War Coalition Philip- Thus far, the bulk of the re- has already granted the Secu- humanitarian law such as civil- have the confidence to engage in pines, wrote an open letter to ABS- portage by Philippine media on rity Council primary jurisdiction ians, including women and chil- military adventurism and com- CBN 2. He accused the network of the Gaza crisis has been on the to deal with these types of dren. What is the sense, for in- mit grave breaches of humani- “crass sensationalism” and “bad plight of overseas Filipino work- threats. For Israel and its ally, stance, of targeting even the 11 tarian law owing to its superior journalism” for reporting that the ers (OFWs) stranded in the place the US, to now insist on the uni- children and four wives of an al- military strength, countries like protesting groups had threatened of conflict. This is a sorry reflec- lateral use of force is a blatant leged Hamas leader? Has there the Philippines can only rely on to bomb the Israeli embassy. tion on how Philippine foreign disregard of a cardinal rule rec- since developed a principle attrib- other countries’ compliance with “Not only does this put one policy has been crafted of late: ognized by all civilized states. uting criminal guilt solely by vir- the rule of law against threats of speaker’s statements out of con- parochially reduced only to how Israel of course will claim that tue of family relations? And what these nature. Think of the text, it totally mischaracterized events overseas may directly af- its recent offensive is but an ex- was the logic in targeting not Spratlys. Think of China. Think the nature and intention of our fect our overseas workers consti- ercise of self-defense. In fact, it one, but three UN-run schools? of Malaysia. Think of terrorists actions…. Instead of reporting on tuting the Diaspora. has stated that it will only stop The fact that Israel has been operating in Mindanao. This is the substance of our actions… Not much has been said in Phil- when and if Hamas stops launch- targeting civilian homes is a why Filipinos should take the your report zeroed in on one par- ippine media as to why there are ing rockets into Israeli territory. breach of humanitarian law it- Gaza incident more seriously. ticular statement of a speaker, dis- mammoth rallies around the globe But the question is: self-defense self since the Geneva conven- Unless the rule of law is observed, torted it, and sensationalized it,” against this latest instance of Is- against whom? tions prohibit combatants from our tora-toras will simply be no he wrote. raeli adventurism. And yet, by Hamas is a non-state party targeting civilian infrastruc- match to our potential state ad- He emphasized that Barcelon unilaterally resorting to the use of Israel accuses of operating in the ture. And yes, the fact that Is- versaries’ military might. n did not agree with suggestions to force, Israel has again showed its territory of its neighboring rael has been violating the bind- ...... bomb the embassy “and that he defiance of International Law, states. Without accusing either ing norms of humanitarian law Lawyer Harry Roque teaches advocated peaceful means to ad- which prohibits the use of force, Palestine or Lebanon of aggres- apparently with impunity is Public International Law at the dress the situation…. He did NOT and restrictively allows the same sion, it has waged wars against equally deplorable since these University of the Philippines Col- threaten to bomb the embassy.” only to circumstances constituting both these states solely on the grave breaches weaken the rule- lege of Law and at the Philippine Docena also attacked the por- self-defense or when authorized by excuse that Hamas operatives enforcing value of the law. Judicial Academy. He is also trayal of the protesters as being the Security Council of the United are in the territories of these two Why should soldiers in the Chair of the non-governmental made up only of Muslims, and as Nations (UN). states. Armed Forces of the Philippines, Center for International Law angry ones at that. As imperfect as the UN may There is the further issue of pro- or the NPA and the MILF, desist (Centerlaw). “Portraying us as ‘angry Mus- lims’ [“sumugod ang tatlong- UARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 15 HE MEDIA STEREOTYPE

PJR REPORTS “Unless your and Umagang Kay Ganda (Beauti- ful Morning) and reading the reporting shows scripts of the rally, “I found the stories accurate.” more accuracy and “(T)he reporter, Zyann Am- respect both for brosio never said nor pictured that the rallyists were just a bunch of Photos from a Jan. 5 demonstration at the Israeli embassy in Makati PJR REPORTS those being covered ‘angry (M)uslims’, Villa said in an email to Docena last Jan. 13. as your activities are worth cov- a case of exaggeration...” and for your viewers, “The reporter also never said ering we shall continue to do so.” Docena wondered why the your coverage the rallyists were out to bomb the Villa included in her e-mails a headlines could not have been: Israel embassy. It was one of your copy of the script of the story pack- “Mga aktibista nagprotesta laban sa undermines our very speakers Ahmad Barcelon who ages in TV Patrol and in their late Israel (Activists protest against Is- said there were ‘(M)uslims in night news program Bandila. rael),” “Mga ralyista nanawagan sa advocacy for peace (M)indanao’ who want to bomb pamahalaan na kondenahin ang Is- and justice”–Docena the Israeli embassy,” she wrote. The exchange rael (Rallyists call for government “Thank you again for watch- Trafalgar Plaza in Makati, where the In a reply to Villa that night, to condemn Israel),” or ing our newscasts and for as long Israeli embassy is located LITO OCAMPO Docena maintained that “Panawagang bombahin ang Israeli “(C)ontrary to your claim, (the embassy pinigilan (Calls to bomb Is- daang mga galit na Muslim”] hell- transcripts) clearly and unam- raeli embassy stopped).” bent on bombing Israel…fuels the biguously show how the report- “(W)hile we welcome your cov- stereotype of Muslims as patho- ing was distorted and sensation- erage of our activities (should logically irrational terrorists who alized.” they be ‘worth it’ in your judg- have no grounds whatsoever for “Your transcript makes it evi- ment, as you say), if your cover- demanding justice; it bolsters the dent that your report took a big age is just going to be as sensation- misguided assumption that only unwarranted jump from quoting alistic and as distorted, we would terrorists (i.e., Muslims) could someone (as) saying that he ha(d) actually request you not to cover possibly be opposed to Israel’s war been receiving CALLS to bomb the us. Unless your reporting shows crimes.” embassy, to saying that there more accuracy and respect both He said that many non-Mus- was indeed such an existing PLAN for those being covered and for lims also joined the protest, as to bomb the embassy, and then your viewers, your coverage un- could be seen from the flags the saying that a THREAT was made dermines our very advocacy for protesters were flying during the to bomb the embassy,” Docena peace and justice,” said Docena. rally. wrote. Villa’s reply more than an “It takes a whole series of ac- hour later was short: “You are en- The defense tions for a call to become a plan to titled to air your opinion and In response, Charie Villa, Head become a threat—actions that views and bring it wherever you of Newsgathering of ABS-CBN 2 were never shown nor proven in wish. I have replied to you and my News and Current Affairs, said your report. How calls were position remains. Let the public be that after reviewing the stories turned into a plan and morphed the judge. I apologize if you took which aired on TV Patrol, Bandila, The Jan. 8 anti-Israeli protest HTTP://WWW.ARKIBONGBAYAN.ORG into a threat was therefore clearly offence to my statement about 16...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

covering your activities if we “Our coverage of Gaza will deem it ‘newsworthy’. Rest as- show…that we believe this is an sured we shall not be offended if important story, and…we you don’t want us to cover your would like Filipinos to think and staged rallies.” talk about it, to join the global The next day, Docena said debate and weigh in on what’s they had no desire to engage in right and what’s wrong,” Ressa a protracted exchange with the added. “I think that was appar- network. ent in our story, and the motives Their letter “was a small plea of the protestors were clear both —an appeal for those of you who from Zyann’s track and the wield the power of media in your soundbites used.” hands, the power to decide what media at work photo Sensationalism and stereotyp- is ‘worthy’ and what’s not, the ing are lingering complaints power to shape the public’s view about the media. Both are gener- of the world, and therefore the ally subjective and interpreta- power to influence the public’s tive, and the media tend to be de- response: please use that power fensive about these accusations. responsibly—not so much for us With intense competition for but for those who are at the re- more viewers and readers, me- ceiving end of the missiles. dia will always find ways to grab “It was a small plea that the public’s attention. Sensa- though we may not have as tionalism is a cycle, feeding on much power as you, please treat itself. Knowing that the bombas- us with a little respect.” tic captures media attention, Villa replied an hour later. those being covered sometimes “We are where we are not to give in to the temptation to act bask in glory or power as you or say the shocking to gain or charge us, but to try as much as divert media’s attention. we can to reach out to viewers Greater in the hope they get information The goal they need. Our vision-mission caution should When the media fall short of says exactly why we do what we their own ideals, the aggrieved do—excellent journalism to have been can shrug it off, grumble pri- make this world a better place…. vately, or write a letter like “Yes, by virtue of our position exercised in Docena did. and profession we worked so hard That Villa and Ressa replied to achieve and attain, we wield the choice of personally to Docena’s com- this so called power to decide plaint is commendable, even if which is newsworthy or not. But it is expected of them. Villa’s in- I know, from years of practice and angle, words, clusion of the transcript is also a good fortune of working for sign of transparency and re- Reuters news agency, that I must and visuals spect. But was there really any exercise this ‘power’ with respon- need to suggest that rallies are sibility…. Please review your let- “staged” (Villa)? And what was ters which reek of arrogance and Partido Lakas ng Masa and other the point of the claim that the my replies where I contained any groups from the rejectionist fac- protesters were from “the emotions to answer your con- tion of the Left.” While there have been im- People see stereotypes in media rejectionist faction of the Left” cerns the best I can.” Second, “(i)t was misleading provements in their reporting, because we have personal ste- (Ressa)? Docena’s swift and short re- to headline the threat without the media can still do better to reotypes. Media just magnifies With most news organiza- sponse was to back off: “I meant saying it had been defused.” avoid common pitfalls, as them. tions operating without an om- no disrespect nor arrogance and Ressa noted her reporter’s pointed out by Docena and ac- These stereotypes can hinder budsman, are grievances ad- I profoundly personally apolo- initiative to interview the Is- knowledged by Ressa. deeper coverage of issues. In this dressed promptly, if at all? gize if this is how my letters raeli ambassador to get both Prevention is better than cor- case, media coverage on Israel’s As the exchange between reached you….” sides. rection. It’s important to do things offensive in Gaza is lacking be- Docena and ABS-CBN 2 shows, “She also picked up the most right the first time. As Docena cause of stereotypes against Pal- these encounters can be heated The points ‘newsworthy’ aspects of the said, “Of the public that should be estinians, which proceed from and emotional. But it is impor- Two days later, Maria Ressa, rally. I think you, as an activ- the judge: How many of them existing stereotypes against tant that despite disagreements, Head of ABS-CBN 2 News & Cur- ist, understand what actions watched your damaging report Muslims. As Docena pointed out, the accused as well as the of- rent Affairs, replied. She would draw the attention of the casting us as irrational terrorists? this distracts media consumers fended treat each other with re- thanked Docena for his apology. public. We merely magnify And how many of them would “from the real questions (Why spect and humility. When heads “Many people, like Charie, found those actions by helping you have read our open letter protest- is Israel allowed to kill over are cool, it is easier to under- your tone offensive, making it reach more people through mass ing such treatment?” 1,000 Palestinians with such stand each other, admit mis- difficult to assess the points you media.” Greater caution should have impunity? Why is our govern- takes, and propose solutions. made in the right light. Your “I’ve spoken with the been exercised in the choice of ment not saying anything?), After all, at the heart of these apology now sets the right mood newsgathering team as well as angle, words, and visuals. To say and allows Israel to cast itself as disagreements should be a com- for a better exchange of ideas,” the producers who handled this that the rallyists were Muslims the victim in the face of such mon desire for peace and justice she wrote. story so we can do a better job in and that there was a plan to imaginary angry bomb-lobbing by shedding light on issues and Ressa acknowledged the va- the future,” Ressa ended. bomb when there was none bol- Muslims—instead of the aggres- providing the right information lidity of two points Docena sters views that the media sen- sor that it really is.” for people to decide and act. n made. “We could’ve done a bet- The lessons sationalizes and stereotypes. Ressa added that their com- ...... ter job if we had kept them in The complaint and subse- Consider: Muslim, angry, petitor, GMA-7, did not run a Debbie A. Uy is the readers’ mind,” she said. quent e-mail exchanges be- bomb. It’s so easy for people to story on the protest rally. How- advocate of Davao-based news- First, in the video, she saw tween Docena and ABS-CBN 2 make the connection—but it ever, PJR Reports checked the paper Mindanao Insider. She is only “one Muslim banner (Anak provide lessons and insights on shouldn’t be. Jan. 8 episode of 24 Oras, GMA- also currently an Asian Center Mindanao) among flags from coverage, media accessibility, It should be said that it is not 7’s flagship newscast. It aired a for Journalism Fellow at the Sanlakas, BMP, Alab Katipunan, and communication. only media that stereotypes. one-minute report on the rally. Ateneo de Manila University...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 17

tionality. Articles also shared clear proof. Inquirer last Nov. 29 Terror in Mumbai the experiences of the hostages, published the editorial “Hasty victims, and heroes. The com- Conclusion” which explained the mentary by M. J. Akbar, a consequence of India’s possibly former member of India’s par- attacking Pakistan. It asked for liament, “Terror in Mumbai: A India to seek the cooperation of LIMITED VIEW, shameful collapse of gover- its neighboring country in- nance” discussed the adminis- stead. Last Dec. 4, William M. trative incompetence and politi- Esposo in his Star column “As I cal malfeasance of India’s gov- Wreck This Chair”, provided an NARROW ernment that contributed to the excerpt of CNN’s Larry King in- tragedy. terview with New Delhi-born There were echoes of efforts Dr. Deepak Chopra on the such as this in Philippine media. Mumbai attacks (“Barack PERSPECTIVE Maria A. Ressa, ABS-CBN 2 se- Obama could have unwittingly nior vice president for news and caused the Mumbai attacks”). Without thorough investigation and providing current affairs and author of Chopra emphasized the impor- Seeds of Terror: An Eyewitness tance of cooperation among comprehensive background, the press became a Account of Al Qaeda’s Newest world leaders in addressing the Center of Operations in Southeast problems of terrorism and hold- party to the blame-game. Asia, wrote an analysis on the ing those accountable to justice. increasing evidence and links Chopra is one of TIME Magazine’s 100 heroes and icons of the century. n By Kathryn Roja G. Raymundo Breaking the news With the Internet and cable HE LOCAL media coverage of the three-day TV, news comes 24 hours a day, terror attack in Mumbai, India showcased the seven days a week to people across problems of reporting conflict and crisis the globe. The attacks in Mumbai situations. The coverage provided a limited view demonstrated the power of 24- of the intricacies of a country’s history, the is- hour news coverage. Various online tools and so- suesT of religious and political conflict, and terrorism. cial networking sites (Twitter, On Nov. 26, 2008, armed were making unverified accusa- Flickr, Facebook, etc.) provided men attacked 10 locations tions against one or the other. reports of the attacks. Personal across Mumbai, India’s financial Without thorough investigation accounts, photos, and videos capital, killing at least 170 and providing comprehensive flooded the Internet while the people and wounding more than background, the press became a events were happening. The af- 300. The targets included two party to the blame-game. termath was not excluded as luxury hotels, a train station, India and Pakistan have al- several sites paid homage to the and a Jewish center. ready fought three wars since Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel victims. The fly in the oint- PJR Reports monitored the 1947. A fourth war nearly HTTP.//WWW.BANGALOREBUZZ.BLOGSPOT.COM ment: the reports were some- coverage of three newspapers erupted when the Indian parlia- Mumbai, the reactions of gov- that those who initiated the times inaccurate and insensi- (Philippine Daily Inquirer, The ment was attacked in 2001. It is ernment officials, and their Mumbai attacks are connected tive, and bordering on sensa- Philippine Star, and Manila Bul- almost a reflex to accuse Pakistan preparation to prevent similar to Al Qaeda (“Mumbai attacks: tionalism and war-mongering. letin), three TV news programs whenever something wrong hap- attacks from happening in the Al-Qaeda methods & ideology”, Although the new technol- (TV Patrol World, 24 Oras, and pens in India. country. The news programs Dec. 1). Ressa broke down the ogy contributed to providing the Teledyaryo), and selected To avoid worsening the ten- were able to interview Filipinos history of Al Qaeda tactics and public the information it needed, online news sites from Nov. 26 sion between the two countries living in Mumbai as the attacks methods and related it to the many scored news organizations to Dec. 2. or fanning anger and discrimi- were going on and while two Fili- coordinated attacks in Mumbai. for taking data from the personal nation towards the Muslim com- pino hostages were trapped in a But these were rare and far be- accounts and reporting them Narrow perspective munity, a sentence or para- luxury hotel occupied by the tween. without verification. Some of Local coverage mostly car- graph providing background for armed men. The coverage de- Outside the monitor cover- the reports also included gory ried reports and analyses by a single report was perhaps not clined when the Filipinos safely age period, abs-cbnNEWS.com images and inflammatory re- wire agencies. This may be logi- enough to make the public un- got out of the hotel and were de- published last Dec. 10 an inter- marks encouraging retribution cal for news organizations be- derstand. The press has to dis- clared out of harm. The airport view with Philippine Institute against Pakistan. Other reports cause of their lack of resources cuss and monitor the dispute siege in Bangkok, Thailand later for Peace, Violence and Terror- were careless, among them for separate coverage, but this over Kashmir and explain the took the media’s attention away ism Research executive director video footage which revealed also posed several complications. socio-economic issues in India from the tragedy of Mumbai. Rommel C. Banlaoi (“Mumbai- security operations, and live The wire reports were writ- which could have contributed to type attacks unlikely in RP, says contacts with hostages and/or ten from perspectives which the violence in Mumbai. Better reports and analyses prof”). Banlaoi said although attackers. mirrored the biases of the inter- Instead of focusing on the ten- The Straits Times last Nov. 29 there were fears of copycat as- The Mumbai coverage should national media. The local rel- sions or unwittingly taking dedicated a section called saults occurring in Southeast teach news organizations to pro- evance of the news was lost in sides, the reports should have “Prime: Mumbai terror attacks” Asia, including the Philippines, cess events better while still ad- the discussions by the wire agen- focused more on why and how to several articles and commen- attacks like those in Mumbai are hering to journalism standards cies. The stakes at risk were the attacks happened in the first taries explaining the attacks. It unlikely to happen in the coun- and principles despite the pres- hardly even mentioned in the place. Local media reports or included information on the at- try because of the lack of capable sures of breaking news. The reports Filipinos were getting commentaries did little to ex- tackers, who they were, and how and experienced paramilitary- Mumbai tragedy should force the from the Philippine media. plain the purpose of the attacks they did it. The articles also intelligence commando fighters press to take a hard look at itself For example, the reports fo- and its effect on the people of noted the clues which emerged among the armed groups. But and realize the great stakes in- cused on the growing tensions Mumbai and India as a whole. suggesting that the militants he warned government officials volved in ensuring that it sticks between India and its neighbor, The reports by local report- had support within India as well against complacency. to its duty of providing relevant Pakistan. They unwittingly ers were limited to the usual “lo- as abroad to launch the attacks. Some opinion pieces also information especially in times conveyed either anti-Pakistan calized” stories: updates by the The article included graphic in- called for restraint on the side of of crisis and to serve as an instru- or anti-Muslim sentiments be- Department of Foreign Affairs formation on the attack sites India regarding any untoward ment of peace rather than a tool cause most of the sources quoted on the situation of Filipinos in and the deaths classified by na- moves against Pakistan without of further violence. n 18 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

10 a four-column front page a pluralistic nation and coun- story on the execution with the try?,” he asked rhetorically. headline: “Overcome the roots The second criticism against BOMBERS of radicalism” last Nov. 10. It the media was non-compliance quoted a call from a chief of the with the hallowed reporting prin- Islamic political party PKS that ciples of balance and comprehen- the government must be more siveness. By extension, their cov- INTO HEROES serious to overcome the numer- erage did not contribute to social ous problems that potentially peace-building and appreciation Observers said media reporting about the bombers only provide fertile soil for the for different views and beliefs. growth of radicalism. The media gave only token served the bombers’ purpose. “May there be no quarter that coverage of the survivors and the would cultivate radicalism using families of the dead. How they violence,” said PKS parliamen- coped in the bombing aftermath, tary faction leader Mahfudz what judgment they had on the n By Warief Djajanto Basorie, Jakarta Siddiq. bombers, were details that did not bombers only served their (the Republika’s editorial on the make the front page, if at all they (Long a site of bombings and other terrorist acts, Indonesia executed bombers’) purpose. same day was a prayer for the were reported. the so-called Bali Bombers last November. The coverage of the run- Political observer Fachry Ali three executed convicts that Tempo, the Jakarta-based up to that event as well as the event itself provides invaluable lessons first blamed the government. their sins be forgiven and that the weekly news magazine, said as on the coverage of crisis and terrorism.) The months-long repeated delays families of their victims have much in a Nov. 16 editorial. “Ap- ...... of the execution through a series strength and patience. “The most plication of the cover both sides of unsuccessful appeals allowed important lesson of this whole principle should require the me- NDONESIA’S AMROZI, his brother Mukhlas (also for wide media exposure. Fur- affair is no bombs should ever dia to also present the victms’ known as Ali Gufron), and Imam Samudra faced a ther, the authorities gave the explode again in the country,” side of the story by interviewing firing squad 15 minutes past midnight last Nov. 9. media, particularly Indonesia’s the paper declared. their families.” I numerous private TV stations, Their execution took place in Nirbaya valley, two kilome- Tempo did just that. Among access to the convicted bombers, A lot of space and time four stories about the execution ters south of the maximum security Batu Prison on broadcasting their activities in The media, particularly tele- in its Nov. 16 issue, it carried a Nusakambangan Island off the south coast of Central Java. prison and airing their defiant vision, come under strong criti- one-page piece on several survi- These were the first executions under Indonesia’s anti-ter- statements without any remorse. cism on two counts for their cov- vors of the bombings. It told of rorism laws. This in turn drew support for erage of the bombers. The first how I Gusti Ngurah Anom was them from Muslim radicals, criticism is that the media had on his way home from his work The Denpasar District Court and Padangbai to the East, and Fachry said. given so much print space and as a restaurant security guard. in Bali tried them and reached the resort island’s Ngurah Rai In- The wives of the three were broadcast time to the bombers in The heat wave from the blast separate common verdicts in ternational Airport. also interviewed and were asked the run-up to their execution. At burnt his skin. Glass splinters dis- August, September and October Last Nov. 8, the papers re- the sympathy-generating ques- least five TV stations sent crews figured the left side of his face. 2003. The court sentenced them ported that officers from the dis- tion of how they were coping with to Nusakambangan and the His hearing is permanently im- to death for planning and carry- trict prosecutors’ office and the the deaths of their husbands. prison authorities gave them ac- paired. Although physically he ing out the bombings of the Sari local police had submitted last Indonesia’s mainstream Mus- cess to the inmates. Coverage of has recovered, Gusti is often Club and Paddy’s Pub on Kuta Nov. 7 written notices to the fami- lim organizations justified the ex- their home towns with sympa- moody and angry when re- Beach in the tourist island on Oct. lies of the sentenced trio inform- ecutions. The Indonesia Ulema thetic interviews with relatives minded of the bombings. His 12- 12, 2002 that killed 202 people. ing them that they were to be ex- Council (MUI, Majelis Ulama In- and neighbors gave the trio year-old son is often frightened More than 340 people were in- ecuted. By law, the execution donesia), denounced the three added celebrity status. and secludes himself in his room. jured. Many of the dead were must take place within three bombers. “They didn’t die as Indeed, the media seemed to Gusti became unemployed as no overseas holidaymakers includ- days after the delivery of the for- syuhada (martyrs). Those who have been duped into become un- restaurant would take him in. ing 88 Australians. mal notice. kill others can never die as mar- knowing, willing partners to the But a pharmaceutical firm gave Last Oct. 24 the Attorney Last Nov. 9, morning papers tyrs unless they are at war in the trio’s cause. In a Nov. 10 edito- him a job in late 2008. General’s Office announced the carried an unconfirmed report name of religion,” said MUI chair rial, Jakarta Post did not hesitate After the executions, another execution would take place in that the execution had taken place Umar Shihab. to censure its media peers. “Now Jakarta paper interviewed early November, but without very early in the day. Jakarta Nahdatul Ulama (NU) and that they have been executed, we Tumini, an employee at Paddy’s giving a specific date. In the run- Post, under the page one headline Muhammadiyah, the nation’s hope there will be some soul- Pub where the first bomb ex- up to the execution, Indonesia’s “Bombers’ execution uncon- two major Muslim groups, went searching by those who run our ploded. She required plastic sur- media covered the continuing firmed”, reported that hard-line further. In an apparent rejection prisons about the concept of high gery for her face and hands burnt story day by day. Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir of Ba’asyir’s earlier statement, security prisons, and by those from the blast. With magnanim- spoke at Tenggulun, home village calling the three bombers mar- who run the national media ity, she said she harbored no ha- Martyrs and holy warriors of two of the bombers. Ba’asyir, a tyrs would only inspire other about their complicity, deliber- tred for the bombers. “I don’t hate Reporting ranged from Aus- co-founder of the Jamaah Muslims to follow in their un-Is- ate or not, in this whole fiasco,” them. I just don’t want any more tralia issuing a travel advisory Islamiyah network blamed for a lamic steps and give rise to more the paper lamented. bombings,” she told the Jakarta to its citizens against going to In- number of bombings in Indonesia bombers, the two groups said. An op-ed writer in the Jakarta Post (Nov. 10). donesia to anti-terrorism units and who himself had been jailed, “Glorifying the three Bali daily Kompas also reproached the To measure public thinking fanning out to guard public ven- lauded the three on death row as bombers as mujahid (martyrs) media last Nov. 11. The media on the media coverage, Tempo ues in Jakarta, Bali, and East “holy warriors”. is a grave mistake. It stems from coverage gave the public the per- asked its readers in a poll: “Do you Java amid concern of retaliation “We should emulate their a delusion that such an honor ception that what Amrozi and his think the news reports on the ex- from firebrand militants. fighting spirit. They are ready to can be achieved through bomb- associates did was right and that ecution of the Bali bombers made Last Nov. 4, the press reports sacrifice their lives to fighting for ings and shouting ‘Allahhu Akbar’ they have been sacrificed for the them look as if they were heroes?” East Java police have been con- Islam and they will not surren- (God is great),” said NU deputy interest of international politics, Of 1,907 respondents who ducting weapons searches in ar- der. That’s what a holy warrior chair Masdar F. Mas’udi. Mean- wrote Khamami Zada, religion emailed in their reply, 59.52% eas bordering Lamongan, the is,” Ba’asyir declared. while Muhammadiyah chair affairs analyst at NU’s research said yes (Tempo English Edition, home district of Amrozi and The papers on Nov. 10 gave Din Syamsuddin said achieving institute. “This condition would Dec. 1, 2008). n Mukhlas. In their home village of further details of the execution goals through violent means “is only fertilize acts of terrorism ...... Tenggulun, uniformed and plain and the reactions it provoked. not part of Islamic teaching that because they have been char- Warief Djajanto Basorie clothes officers patrolled the area. Jakarta Post ran a five-column promotes blessings and peace for acterized as warriors for reli- teaches journalism at the Lembaga Security was increased at the front page headline: “Govt, me- the universe,” he said (Jakarta gion and guaranteed martyr- Pers Dr. Soetomo (LPDS, Dr. major steam-driven power plant dia blamed for bombers’ martyr- Post, Nov. 11). dom,” he said. “Isn’t this the Soetomo Press Institute) in at Paiton in East Java, Bali’s ferry dom”. It quoted observers as say- The Jakarta daily biggest challenge we face in cre- Jakarta, Indonesia. He can be ports at Gilimanuk to the West ing the reporting about the Republika, played up last Nov. ating tranquility and peace as reached at [email protected] ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 19 Covering Pacquiao PREDICTABLE, TRIVIAL AND TEDIOUS Trivial information overload marked the coverage of Manny Pacquiao’s December boxing bout with Oscar de la Hoya.

and the fertilizer fund contro- versy, in the back burner. What’s that about bread and cir- cuses as a means of diverting the masses’ attention from the things that matter most?

The usual suspects For all that, the reporting of every Pacquiao fight does in- clude references to who among Philippine officials are flying off to wherever the fight’s going to be so they can watch it. But the n By Hector Bryant L. Macale media—mostly represented by sports reporters, true, but over- S EXPECTED, media closely followed the Dec. seen after all by editors who 6 fight in the United States between boxer should know better—gloss over Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and the box the key question of whether ing world’s “Golden Boy”, Oscar de la Hoya. these officials use taxpayer But for its focus on trivia, much of the cov- money for their expenses. Some of the public officials Aerage, particularly by television, was as predictable as poli- seen watching Pacquiao fight in ticians’ promises. Las Vegas were Vice-President Pacquiao, upon his return to Manila after his victory against De la Hoya airtime to it. Noli de Castro, House Speaker PJR Reports monitored the Photos by LITO OCAMPO coverage of three major newspa- GMA-7’s 24 Oras ran as and Davao City 1st District Rep. pers (Manila Bulletin, Philippine many as five reports on the bout devoted chunks of airtime to the vided its report into several seg- Prospero Nograles, Sen. Ramon Daily Inquirer and The Philippine before Dec. 6. It aired at least match, running as many as five ments, milking the event for ev- Revilla Jr., environment secre- Star), two flagship news pro- ten reports on Pacquaio’s vic- reports (with at least three min- ery piece of trivia it could yield, tary Lito Atienza, and deputy grams (ABS-CBN 2’s TV Patrol tory on Dec. 8, gushed over the utes each) on the bout before Dec. including a focus on its own national security adviser and World and GMA-7’s 24 Oras), and by now predictable reaction of 6. On Dec. 8, it ran at least ten “Grand Kapuso Welcome” event former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis several news websites (abs- Filipinos, issued the usual analy- reports on the bout, focusing at in honor of Pacquio, during which Singson. Among the congress- cbnNEWS.com, GMANews.TV, ses on why he won, and reported tedious length on, among others, it interviewed network officials men reported in Las Vegas were and Inquirer.net). The period cov- on Pacquiao’s political plans why Pacquaio won, the number more than eager to claim that the Ilocos Sur’s Eric Singson, CIBAC’s ered reports from Dec. 4 to 12. among others. Six of these ten of Filipinos at home and abroad boxer is a “Kapuso”. (GMA-7 re- Joel Villanueva, Anak reports were aired as the who watched the fight, and even fers to its viewers and talents as Mindanao’s Mujiv Hataman, Trivia—and a lot of it program’s top stories for that on amateur boxers who could “Kapuso [with the same heart]”. and Pangasinan’s Jose de As in Pacquiao’s previous day, and ran for about 28 min- follow Pacquiao’s footsteps. having been preempted by the Venecia Jr. matches, the news organizations utes. The ten reports consumed Some of the reports went so far ABS-CBN 2 reference to its own The reports merely men- monitored bombarded the pub- over 34 minutes of the hour-long as to provide such detailed trivia viewers as “Kapamilya [part of the tioned their presence and used lic with reports on the event newscast. 24 Oras also had nu- as the arrest of vendors selling family]”. sound bites from them, but did prior to the fight, but especially merous updates on Pacquaio’s bootleg copies of the Pacquiao-De The result of this excess was not ask why they were there in after Pacquiao won over De la victory and homecoming in the la Hoya match, souvenir not only information overload, the first place, and more impor- Hoya. The newspapers and days that followed. It’s no acci- Pacquiao items, and even what but trivial information overload. tantly, if they used public funds online sites ran lengthy reports dent: Pacquiao has a program in Pacquiao ate upon his arrival in Worse, the coverage devoted to for their expenses in the United and updates on pre- and post- GMA-7. the Philippines. When Pacquiao the match relegated a host of States. Officials can claim—and fight events, while 24 Oras and But TV Patrol, aired over was, as usual, paraded around public issues, among them the some of them did—that they TV Patrol devoted substantial GMA-7 rival ABS-CBN 2, also Manila last Dec. 10, 24 Oras di- anti-Charter change campaign watched the fight in the United 20 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

Another concern the press should have looked into was whether a Pacquiao fight justifies politicians’ leaving their duties and responsibilities as public officers just so they can see and be seen at the fight

late last Dec. 8 due to a lack of quorum, because—what else?— some congressmen who had watched the fight were still in the United States. The press could have also at least asked, if it was too pre-oc- cupied with Pacquiao mania to check, what the source of funds was of government institutions and local government units which have started showing Pacquiao’s fight in large venues at no cost. Several local govern- ment units as well as military officials announced they were States using their own money, airing the match free in town which is easy enough to check. halls or other large venues. Did Another concern the press they use public funds for these? Everybody loves Manny should have looked into was If the match was going to be whether a Pacquiao fight justi- aired over pay-per-view venues, Just how popular—and crucial to media revenues— is fies politicians’ leaving their or free TV (GMA-7), did govern- Manny Pacquiao these days? Enough for TV giants duties and responsibilities as ment units and institutions have ABS-CBN 2 and GMA-7 to spar in public, apparently. public officers just so they can to mount such efforts, obviously An interview by ABS-CBN 2 reporter Dyan Castillejo see and be seen at the fight. so the government could earn with Pacquiao, a prized GMA-7 talent, last Dec. 22 Some TV reports did point out brownie points from a public provoked a minor word war between the two stations. that Atienza was in the United skeptical of it? Mostly on Pacquiao’s difficulties in his early life and States when the Senate was de- his later success as a boxer, the interview was aired liberating over the 2009 bud- Now, the exceptions as part of the Jan. 6 episode of The Correspondents. get of the Department of Envi- To be fair, some news organi- The episode became controversial because ronment and Natural Re- zations did try to provide mean- Castillejo’s interview with Pacquiao, which happened sources. But they merely men- ingful coverage of the event. at a victory party thrown by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis tioned the mild ribbing Atienza And for all their transparent ef- Singson, forced guests to wait for the boxer for three hours while Castillejo was asking him such earth-shak- got from senators when he later forts at self-aggrandizement, TV ing questions as what his life’s inspiration was. appeared in the Senate, and his Patrol and 24 Oras reports did A television executive from GMA-7 accused clumsy excuse to reporters that manage to sneak in a report or Castillejo’s camp of lying when ABS-CBN 2 said that he could not help but go to the two that actually meant some- the reporter interviewed Pacquiao for only 35 min- United States as a long-time thing. utes. The executive told entertainment reporters that Pacquiao supporter, and that, Inquirer also had a story on the interview lasted for “about three hours”. anyway, his undersecretaries the revenues from airing the GMA-7’s senior vice president for entertainment could explain details of the match, which showed that it’s Wilma Galvante, however, clarified in a report that department’s proposed budget. not just national pride at stake GMA-7 was not making a big deal about it. It’s just If Cabinet secretaries and other but millions of dollars too, a that Pacquiao is a network talent and that they’re government officials don’t take point the media rarely men- “taking care of him.” governance seriously, neither tions. (“Biggest fight on TV with ABS-CBN 2 insisted that Castillejo interviewed the does the press, apparently. 50 sponsors is ‘RP World Cup’”, boxer for only 35 minutes. In a statement posted on They’d all rather watch two Dec. 7). On the other hand, per- abs-cbnNEWS.com last Jan. 21, ABS-CBN 2 corpo- grown men beat each other to a haps to serve those who’re into rate communications head Bong Osorio also refuted pulp. these things, the Star had, also reports that the interview had lasted three hours. Despite the need to deliber- last Dec. 7, a story on the fight “In fact, Castillejo and her team waited patiently ate on bills that they them- records of Pacquiao and de la for two hours before they were asked to start the in- selves claim are vital to this Hoya, detailing their wins and terview, which was done with the prior knowledge and country’s governance, economy losses, among others (“The Tale permission of Pacquiao and the host of the party,” and security before it went on of Two Fighters”). Osorio said in the statement. n holiday break, the House of Rep- But these were the excep- resentatives began its sessions tions among a by now tedious rule. n ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 21 Keeping focused FIGHTING IMPUNITY To get people to care, the press should comprehensively explain the state of press freedom in the country.

n By Melanie Y. Pinlac HE PHILIPPINE press prides itself in being one of the freest in the world, but the high number of killing of journalists and various In memory of slain journalists Photos by LITO OCAMPO press freedom threats and attacks belie that claim. Six journalists/media practitioners wereT killed in the line of duty in 2008, bringing the prosecutor Nena Santos told the number of work-related cases since the restoration of forum. New warrants of arrest democracy in 1986 to 77. have been issued for the alleged masterminds. No mastermind On the eve of International the killings may be accessed at has been successfully prosecuted Human Rights Day last Dec. 9, www.cmfr.phil.org/map/ since 2001. in “An Update on the Killing of index_inline.html.) Esperat was killed on March Journalists and Other Attacks The “killing of the messenger 24, 2005 in her home in Sultan on Press Freedom”, media orga- (principle) is in effect, denying Kudarat in the presence of her nizations and practitioners as the people a basic right,” FFFJ children. She was known for her well as legal experts reiterated chair and PPI executive director exposés on alleged corrupt ac- the need to fight the culture of Jose Pavia said. “(This forum tivities in the regional office of impunity which encourages the was organized) to remind all of the Department of Agriculture continuing attack against jour- us that these (killings and at- where the alleged masterminds, nalists. The forum was orga- tacks on press freedom) have to Osmeña Montañer and Estrella nized by the Freedom Fund for stop.” Sabay, are employed as finance Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) with “These are attacks against all officer and regional accountant, support from the New York- of us and against press freedom. Roque at the FFFJ forum respectively. based Committee to Protect We should learn to think collec- She said the masterminds Journalists and the Open Soci- tively in terms of the institu- that the murderers don’t just get cases of Ureta and Hinolan be- should be arrested immediately ety Institute. (Dec. 9 is also the tional autonomy we want to away with it.” fore the Supreme Court on Feb. for the case to proceed. “While day of the UN Universal Decla- keep and preserve for ourselves,” This situation has prompted 5, 2008, citing the influence of the RTC in Tacurong is willing ration for Human Rights De- CMFR’s executive director media organizations and press the suspects in the killings in to pursue the case…. We cannot fenders.) Melinda Quintos de Jesus also freedom advocates to push for Aklan. The Supreme Court continue with the case as the FFFJ is a coalition formed in said in the forum. the revival of cases involving granted the petition last March accused are not yet arrested as 2003 to combat the killing of the killing of journalists/media 18. The cases are now being tried of this time. We have been pur- and other attacks against Fili- Reviving cold cases practitioners. FFFJ and the Na- before the Cebu City Regional suing the police, pursuing the pino journalists. FFFJ is com- The weakness of the rule of tional Union of Journalists of the Trial Court (RTC). NBI (National Bureau of Inves- posed of the Center for Media law, an inefficient judicial and Philippines (NUJP) helped re- In a statement, FFFJ also said tigation) on what is now the sta- Freedom and Responsibility police system, and the lack of vive the cases against the kill- that “(t)he press community tus (of the arrests).” A regional (CMFR), the Center for Commu- political will to solve the killings ers of Aklan-based broadcasters needs to…closely monitor what police director said they can get nity Journalism and Develop- have contributed to the growing Rolando Ureta and Herson the police and the prosecutorial Montañer and Sabay but it ment, the Kapisanan ng mga culture of impunity in the Phil- Hinolan, for example. The hear- service are doing to investigate would be difficult because the Broadkaster ng Pilipinas, the ippines. Only in two cases since ings on these cases resumed in the killings and prosecute the two are hiding in a conflict-rid- Philippine Center for Investiga- 2001—the 2003 killing of Edgar May 2008. Ureta was killed on killers.” den town in Lanao, Santos tive Journalism, the Philippine Damalerio and the 2005 killing Jan. 3, 2001 by two assailants added. Press Institute (PPI), and the of Marlene Esperat—have the on a motorcycle in Lezo town, Going after the masterminds Santos said there is another U.S.-based news organization suspects been successfully tried, Aklan. Hinolan was gunned A new case against the al- issue needed to be resolved re- Philippine News. CMFR, which sentenced and convicted. FFFJ’s down on Nov. 13, 2004 by an leged masterminds in the 2005 garding the case. The prosecu- has maintained a database on legal adviser, lawyer Prima unknown assailant outside a killing of Sultan Kudarat jour- tion might need to bring the case the killing of journalists since Jesusa Quinsayas stressed that carnival in Kalibo. nalist Marlene Esperat was filed to the Supreme Court after the 1991, serves as the FFFJ secre- the press needs to exert “effort FFFJ and NUJP filed a peti- last Oct. 20 before the Tacurong Manila and the Cebu Courts of tariat. (Its current database on (in) reviving the cold cases so tion for transfer of venue for the City RTC Branch 20, private Appeals handed out conflicting 22 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... decisions, she said. “That is why the the provinces for asking why, The Cebu City Court of Ap- among other reasons. peals issued a preliminary in- culture of impunity Biases and inaccuracies also junction last May 14 prohibit- show in several reports. Some ing the Cebu City RTC Branch 7 continues—we media outfits adapt labels used judge Simeon Dumdum from contribute to it by by the police and the military proceeding with the case against to demonize some victims as well Montañer and Sabay. The Cebu not persisting, by as militant groups. Cervantes City Court of Appeals said the stressed that the press should be Cebu City RTC has no jurisdic- not reporting with careful in using labels like ‘mili- tion over the case against the constancy and tants’ or ‘leftists’ in describing Montañer and Sabay since the legal organizations. murder happened in Sultan consistency Edita Burgos, chair of the Kudarat. Pamilya ng Desaparicods para sa But last Oct. 15, the Manila needed”—Burgos Katarungan (Desaparacidos, Court of Appeals denied the Families of the Disappeared for other petition for certiorari and Justice) and mother of missing prohibition filed by the alleged Colony warden Superintendent activist Jonas Burgos, empha- masterminds to stop the re-in- Venancio Tesoro refused to re- sized the need for continuing cov- vestigation of, and the filing of lease Adonis despite a discharge erage of human rights violations charges against them for the on parole from the Department and criticized the event-based murder of Esperat saying “(i)t of Justice’s Board of Pardon and tendency of media coverage. is legally permissible for public Paroles (DOJ-BPP) in December “Kung walang nangyayari, respondents to re-open the pre- 2007 and a release order from wala masyadong napiprint…. liminary investigation.” the Davao RTC Branch 14 on 26 Burgos Ang problema kahit walang The Manila court explained May 2008. Tesoro argued that event, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ‘yung that “…the complainants may the case filed by the alleged par- crime especially ang disappear- present new or additional evi- amour of Nograles disqualified ances (If there is no event, noth- dence which could alter the re- Adonis from parole. ing gets printed. The problem is sult of the earlier finding of no Adonis is now out prison af- even if there is no event, crimes, probable cause and accordingly ter the alleged paramour especially disappearances con- ask for a reinvestigation or a re- dropped the second case against tinue),” stressed Burgos, widow opening of preliminary investi- him. He was set free last Dec. 23 of late press freedom advocate gation.” after the DOJ-Bureau of Correc- and journalist Joe Burgos. The counsel of the Montañer tions (DOJ-BuCor) approved his “Sometimes the perpetrators and Sabay has filed a motion for release order. The DOJ-BuCor anchor their hopes on the prob- reconsideration before the Court order came two months after the ability that the stories will die a of Appeals in Manila. Mean- Davao City RTC Branch 14 dis- natural death,” Burgos said. while, the solicitor general also missed the second libel case and “That is why the culture of im- filed a motion for reconsidera- ordered that Adonis be “released punity continues—we contrib- tion for the May 14 decision of from detention unless there be ute to it by not persisting, by not the Cebu Court of Appeals. other lawful ground for his fur- Human rights advocates and journalists discuss how media cover extrajudicial reporting with the constancy killings. “In the meantime, the RTC ther confinement”. and consistency needed.” will (also have to) resolve the The case was dismissed after “We have to continue to Enough?” at the University of Cervantes also hoped that motion to quash filed by the the alleged paramour withdrew cover the cases. You can’t imag- the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, the press reports on human masterminds’ counsel. The DoJ charges in return of Adonis’s apol- ine how concerned we are when Quezon City, the speakers said rights issues beyond Dec.10. has filed its opposition,” Santos ogy. During his release, Adonis there are stories that are out the media need to do better in “Marami pong isyu ang human said. The alleged masterminds explained his decision to apolo- there and nobody is covering upholding the human rights rights. Comprehensive kasi filed a motion to quash the In- gize. “The decision to say them,” KBP executive director and civil liberties of the people iyan—social, economic, cultural, formation last Oct. 21. sorry…was a hard move I had Rey Hulog stressed in his clos- through responsible reporting. civil, and political (Human taken. I would like to state now ing remarks. Human rights advocates rights is a multi-faceted issue),” Legal threats the truth that while I did say To get people to care, Hulog also criticized the lack of she said, adding that journalists Lawyer Harry Roque dis- sorry, it did not in any way mean said, the press should compre- contextualization in reports on should re-educate themselves on cussed the case of Davao-based a capitulation of the truth I have hensively explain the state of human rights violations. Ruth human rights laws. broadcaster Alexander “Lex” been pursuing nor did it mean press freedom in the country. Cervantes, the International The forum was organized Adonis who was convicted of li- an admission of my guilt,” Ado- “One reason why people do not Liaison and Public Information by the Philippine Human bel on Jan. 26, 2007 after miss- nis said. (see Germelina Lacorte’s care so much nowadays is be- Officer of the human rights Rights Reporting Project, the ing several hearings on the the “Above the law?: Broadcaster re- cause we haven’t explained the group Karapatan (Alliance for Journalism department of the libel case filed by House of Rep- leased, but...,” p. 23) situation to them….We have to the Advancement of People’s UP College of Mass Communi- resentatives Speaker and Davao get the people to our side because Rights), said the press should cation, Karapatan, the Asian District representative Prospero Creating awareness they do not fully understand refrain from reporting cases of Congress for Media and Com- Nograles. Adonis spent almost The Philippine press needs to what is at stake here.” human rights violations as if munication, and the student two years in prison prior to his comprehensively report on the they were isolated “police re- organization UP Mass Commu- release last Dec. 23. elevating number of killing of Media and HR violations ports”. nicators Organization. Nograles filed libel charges in and attacks against journalists Meanwhile, on Dec. 10, Inter- NUJP vice-chair and 2001 after Adonis reported that in the Philippines to create pub- national Human Rights Day, Inquirer.net editor Jaime Remembering colleagues Nograles and a woman broad- lic clamor over the current situ- media practitioners, mass com- “Nonoy” Espina also said that Several journalists gathered caster had been caught by op- ation of press freedom in the munication students, and hu- the press often forgets to answer in the evening of Dec. 10 at the eratives and the woman’s rela- country. This was also high- man rights advocates revisited the Why in the 5Ws & H in news Bantayog ng mga Bayani (He- tives in a compromising situa- lighted in the forum. how the press has covered extra- reporting. Espina said that more roes’ Monumnent) in Quezon tion during a raid at a hotel in Ironically, despite being a key legal killings and other human provincial journalists go into the City to commemorate the death Metro Manila. issue in the practice of journal- rights violations in the Philip- reasons behind human rights of their colleagues. Led by the CMFR and NUJP filed a peti- ism, much of the Philippine press pines. violations compared to their Ma- NUJP, journalists/media prac- tion last May 30, for a writ of has not paid much attention to In the forum “Solving and nila-based counterparts because titioners lighted candles and of- habeas corpus asking the Su- the continuing problem of the Reporting Extrajudicial Killings “they are closer to the action.” fered prayers to slain journal- preme Court to order the release killing of journalists and other and Disappearances: Are the But sadly, Espina said, these ists, among other rites. n of Adonis after Davao Penal attacks against press freedom. Government and Media Doing journalists are being killed in ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 23 Above the law? BROADCASTER RELEASED, BUT… “Yakapin mo lang, say thank you, at wala na (Just embrace him, say thank you, and that’s all),” Adonis said Antiporda told him when the latter was working for his release.

ies he made in which, court pro- gift for him. “Send the gift to Nograles?” ceedings said, he reported that my family,” Adonis said he told Solis said that the media are Nograles ran naked in a Manila Antiporda. supposed to be a watchdog of de- hotel after the husband of the NPC denied this in a state- mocracy and have a role to play woman he was with caught ment. Adonis said that during to make the citizens informed them inside one of the hotel’s his October visit in Dapecol, but such a presscon, where the rooms. Adonis had complained that his NPC wanted Adonis to embrace On December 11, 2007 the case was not moving. “We re- Nograles, will project the mes- Board of Pardon and Paroles minded him that petition for his sage that a powerful person can GERMELINA LACORTE granted Adonis parole. release was pending in the Court send a journalist to jail and can But Roque said the Davao of Appeals, and that Ms. Jeanette decide when to have him re- n By Germelina Lacorte Penal Colony (Dapecol) did not Leuterio, who filed the libel case leased regardless of what courts inform Adonis about the parole wanted an apology before with- and the law say. AVAO CITY—When jailed Davao order. It was Roque who found drawing her complaint. Adonis “It was not only about Lex broadcaster Alexander “Lex” Adonis finally out about it when the National voluntarily said he’ll issue an Adonis,” Solis said. “If he was walked out to freedom on Christmas Eve, Union of Journalists of the Phil- apology,” he said. presented there (at the he made himself scarce and refused to join ippines (NUJP) engaged his ser- In September, Adonis dis- presscon), the media will be the press conference the National Press Club vices as Adonis’ lawyer. charged the services of Roque to stripped of its dignity. To think What incensed Roque was pave the way for the NPC law- that here is a very powerful man D(NPC) had arranged for him at the Apo View Hotel here Dapecol’s stubborn refusal to fol- yer to facilitate the broad- who sent this journalist in jail where, according to Adonis, NPC president Benny Antiporda low the Court order. caster’s Court apology. and now he’s taking him out.” had earlier asked him to say thank you to House Speaker Dapecol chief Venancio Adonis said the decision to say The broadcaster is already Prospero Nograles, the man who sent him to jail for libel. Tesoro said he could not free the sorry to Lomanta was a “hard” back in action barely 20 days af- jailed broadcaster because of a move but it did not mean “ca- ter his release. But when he cov- “Yakapin mo lang, say thank International Law (CenterLaw), pending second libel case by pitulation.” “It did not mean ered the release of first Lt. Vicente you, at wala na (Just embrace a lawyers group working for Lomanta. “He only has custodial admission of guilt,” he said. He Cammayo by the New People’s him, say thank you, and that’s freedom of expression. “In the powers over prisoners but he was just tired of prison life. Army on the first working days all),” Adonis said Antiporda told first place, there was no need for argued that the pending case But on the day of his release, of the year, he stayed on the side- him when the latter was work- that apology. He had been disqualified Adonis from receiv- Adonis refused to face Nograles. lines, refusing to ask questions, ing for his release. granted parole for the first case ing his parole,” Roque said. He also expressed no interest in “baka mapahiya,” he said. “I still Instead, Adonis went filed by Nograles and media When Adonis’ media friends the livelihood assistance in Ma- feel slightly disoriented,” said straight home, where a friends had posted a P5,000 bail in Davao posted bail for his nila that Antiporda had prom- Adonis, looking emaciated. “I streamer that read, “No jour- for the second case lodged temporary release, the Davao ised him. don’t even know how to operate nalist should be jailed for doing against him by Lomanta,” Regional Trial Court Branch 14 “Yakapin?” he asked. my cellphone. I never had one in his job,” was hanging near the Roque said. “There was no ordered Adonis’ release last “Niyakap ko na ang rehas at the last two years I was in doorway to greet him. longer any reason at all why he May 26. bato.” prison,” he said. He was finally free after had to stay in prison.” Prison officials still refused to Adonis’ conviction in 2007 He said he experienced hav- spending two years in jail. But But Roque said Nograles, the release him. had once more fueled the de- ing dined, slept and played with the circumstances of his release country’s fourth most powerful “Is Dapecol above the Court?” cades-long debate on the impera- convicted terrorists, rapists, angered lawyers and press free- man, had solicited the apology asked Dodong Solis, vice presi- tive of decriminalizing libel, a guns for hire, rebels and all dom groups fighting to decrimi- as a pre-condition for the dent for Mindanao of the Radio law which according to NUJP, kinds of offenders in the world nalize libel in the Philippines. broadcaster’s release. Mindanao Network (RMN). CMFR, and other media and but he said, he realized, quite a There was no longer any reason “This does not bode well for This prompted the NUJP, journalists’ groups has been number of those inside could be for him to stay in prison but he press freedom,” said Roque. “In- CenterLaw and the Center for used by powerful politicians to innocent. was released only after the apol- fluential public officials can de- Media Freedom and Responsibil- harass members of the press He is still backing up the ogy he issued in court to termine who amongst media ity (CMFR) to file a petition for a critical of those in power. news production team of the Jeanette Leuterio Lomanta, the practitioners should be jailed writ of habeas corpus with the “What facilitated Adonis’ re- RMN but he said it has never woman he had identified in a and when they should be re- Supreme Court. But before the lease?,” asked Rowena Paraan, crossed his mind to quit his life broadcast on the “Burlesque leased. Nograles claimed that Supreme Court could act on the NUJP treasurer, “The apology as a broadcaster. n King” scandal which earned him Adonis owed his newfound free- petition, the NPC stepped in and that the NPC brokered? But ...... a four and a half year convic- dom to him.” convinced Adonis to apologize. what about our legal system, Germelina Lacorte works as tion in 2007. Adonis was sentenced to a Adonis said Antiporda as- considering that he was already associate editor for Davao To- “Press freedom continues to maximum of four and a half sured him he can get out of jail on parole in one case and on bail day and an Asian Center for be under siege,” said Harry years in jail for libel in 2007 af- if he apologized to Lomanta and in another case? And why did Journalism Fellow at the Ateneo Roque, chair of the Center for ter a series of radio commentar- that would serve as a Christmas the NPC act as a fixer for de Manila University. 24 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

Reports last Jan. 19 that he had tion confirming the transfer of forgotten what the amount was. money from Hataman to Torres. Torres and Hataman both “During the meeting, we said that they have been friends showed him the proof,” said NUJP OUSTS for 20 years and that their rela- NUJP deputy secretary-general tionship has been limited to the Alwyn Alburo. “In the sense that personal level. Torres said that we were able to get the proof, we he considered Hataman a got the other side.” CHAIR OVER “brother” and that their friend- Alburo, who works as GMA- ship started when they were 7 senior desk editor, added: “You young activists in their teens in are a journalist, and you get the 1980s. They have been very money from the source, there ETHICS ISSUE close friends since. can be no gray issues there. It’s Espina said NUJP knew Torres a black and white thing. Ethics “What was questioned was the breach of ethics,” and Hataman were friends. is black and white. We cannot Torres maintained that he paint it otherwise.” Espina said. Torres however disputed the result of and Hataman have always Espina said that they felt treated each other with mutual that there was no need for the the NUJP investigation. professional respect. source to be present in the hear- “I never write a story about ing. Hataman was secondary to him,” he said. “We do not treat the issue. each other as reporter and source. “What was questioned was n By Luis V. Teodoro with reports from Edsel Van DT. Dura “Wala akong sinabing gano’n. I wrote only one story that in- the breach of ethics,” Espina and Jamaica Jane J. Pascual Sigurado ako. Kami ni Joe, per- cluded him in 2003 for said, adverting to allegations of sonal naman ang usapan namin, Newsbreak. It was a story about the Journalist’s Code of Ethics. AY A journalist accept favors from a long- hindi naman organization to or- Basilan. It was a story about the “The source could always deny time friend who is also a public official? ganization (I never said those island, about politicians, and it or confirm it.” was not a story about Mr. However, Torres said that The National Union of Journalists of things. The relationship between me and Joe is personal, and we Hataman.” ethics is an issue of perception. the Philippines (NUJP) replaced Jose don’t involve each others’ orga- The Jan. 1, 2003 article “All He said that people based their Torres Jr. as chair last Nov. 10 over alle- nizations).” in the Family” tackled political moral and ethical perception Mgations of an ethical breach in his relationship with a con- He also denied asking Alipala clans. Hataman was used as a based on each person’s individu- gressman. Philippine Daily Inquirer Iloilo Correspondent when she would ask him for source of information on the po- ality. “Alam ko naman na ang litical families of Basilan. He was ethics, and issue of ethics, issue Nestor Burgos took over his post. something. Alipala reported the incident not the only source cited in the ‘yan ng perception. So hindi Torres, however, disputed the to maintain the dignity of my to the NUJP directorate during article. talaga magka agree ‘yan (I know result of the NUJP investigation. profession. When in doubt, de- the media organization’s train- An Internet search of articles that the issue of ethics is an is- “I did nothing unethical,” cency should be my watch- ing in Sta. Rosa, Laguna last Oct. on Hataman in GMANews.tv sue of perception. So there will Torres told PJR Reports last Jan. 15. word.” 18 to 19. Eight of the 15 direc- found a few articles where he was never be an agreement).” NUJP is the largest organi- NUJP added that Torres was tors present decided to consider used as an ordinary source. None “‘Yung question hindi naman zation of journalists in the coun- removed from office and his Alipala’s account a formal was written by Torres himself, kung sino yung bumigay. ‘Yung try, with chapters all over the membership canceled based on complaint. except for his Aug. 4, 2008 blog kinuwestyon dun ‘yung act ng Philippines. It has been focused the group’s by-laws. “We have to investigate and entry “What price peace in officer (The question was not on defending press freedom, eth- conduct a hearing. So we agreed Mindanao?” in the GMANews.tv who gave in. The issue there ics training, and campaigns for Question of ethics to hold a hearing,” Espina said. website where Hataman was was the act of the officer),” journalists’ safety. The flap began when Julie “The complaint was a viola- quoted on his opinion on the can- Espina said. In a statement, NUJP said Alipala accused Torres of solicit- tion of the NUJP by-laws espe- celled Memorandum of Agree- Torres was removed from office ing money from Anak ng cially on ethics,” said Espina ment on Ancestral Domain be- GMA Network probe “for violations of the NUJP’s By- Mindanao (AMIN) Partylist Rep- “The specific charge was solicita- tween the government and the After hearing allegations of Laws and The Journalist’s Code resentative Mujiv Hataman. tion from a potential source.” Moro Islamic Liberation Front. ethical breach, GMA Network of Ethics.” Alipala, a Philippine Daily In- The NUJP national director- “I said sorry for all the hassle also looked into Torres’s case. Torres was “found to have quirer correspondent based in ate looked into the allegations in that I brought to the organiza- However, a GMA Network state- personally solicited money from Zamboanga, is a member of the a day-long hearing last Nov. 10, tion. It was not a sorry about ‘I ment sent last Jan. 23 through a source for his personal use,” NUJP national directorate. with Torres presenting his side. made a mistake,” Torres said. e-mail by Butch Raquel, vice- the group said. The act, accord- Espina said Alipala was with NUJP elected a new set of of- Hataman also denied that president for GMA Corporate ing to NUJP violated the group’s Hataman in a military visit in ficers after the directorate found Torres was asking him for money. Communications, to PJR Reports by-laws, specifically Article II Basilan when the representa- Torres accountable and expelled He said NUJP did not get his side did not say from where or whom Section 1 which states that tive received a phone call from him as chair and member. of the story. they learned of the allegations. among NUJP’s objectives is to Torres to Hataman. Torres was Torres, in an interview with “They should have gone Torres was officer in charge “raise the standards of journal- leaving for a conference in Ko- PJR Reports, denied asking for or deeper into their investigation. for Editorial Operations of Me- istic ethics toward the end goal rea as NUJP’s representative. soliciting money from Hata- For instance, since I was in- dia Merge Corporation, the GMA of securing press freedom and Espina said Hataman told man. He did, however, admit volved, they should have asked Network affiliate in charge of protecting the integrity of the Alipala: “Ano ba kayo NUJP, that Hataman had asked him to me about it. They should have online operations. working press in the country.” aalis chairman ninyo, wala buy Korean dolls for him, and also looked into the motive, if it’s Raquel said the network ac- NUJP also said that Torres kayong pabaon (Why are you that the money Hataman gave a bribery or solicitation, or cepted Torres’ resignation before violated the Journalist’s Code of NUJP people like that. Your him was for that purpose as well maybe it’s something personal,” its investigation was concluded. Ethics, specifically Articles V (“I chairman is leaving and you as to buy gifts for his (Torres’) kid. Hataman said. “Our administrative investi- shall not let personal motives or don’t even have something for Neither Torres nor Hataman NUJP treasurer Rowena gations are confidential in na- interests influence me in the per- him).” It was then followed by could remember what the exact Paraan said that they were able ture, thus we cannot disclose the formance of my duties, nor shall “Ikaw, kailan ka hihingi sa ‘kin amount was, but Torres added that to get hold of documents that details of the investigation. Suf- I accept or offer any present, gift (How about you, when are you he was able to bring home the Ko- proved that Torres got the fice it to say that the standard or other consideration of a nature going to ask me for something)?” rean dolls and to give Hataman a money. Paraan, who is also Phil- due process was followed in the that may cast doubt on my pro- However in an interview coat and some Ginseng. ippine Center for Investigative case according to company fessional integrity”) and XI (“I with PJR Reports last Jan. 19, Espina said the money in- Journalism research director, policy,” Raquel said in a Jan. 28 shall conduct myself in public Hataman insisted that he never volved was roughly P25,000. refused to mention her source, email to PJR Reports. or while performing my duties mentioned NUJP in connection Torres refused to confirm the but she said that they were able Torres’ resignation took effect as journalist in such manner as with the phone call. amount while Hataman told PJR to get hold of the bank informa- last Dec. 31. n ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 25 CRISIS

NATIONAL terview with CMFR, dyYM station Branch 14 then dismissed last Reporter ...... manager Terence Toriano said In- Oct. 27 the second libel case and assaulted, files Broadcaster delible was known for his com- ordered that Adonis be “released charges mentaries involving local govern- from detention unless there be A television reporter in Iloilo unhurt in slay ment officials and businesses. In- other lawful ground for his further City filed last Dec. 22 charges attempt delible had recently discussed on confinement”. against a woman involved in a A radio broadcaster survived air alleged anomalies at the local According to Adonis’s col- road mishap she was covering an attack by unknown gunmen in electric company. leagues in Davao, the National who allegedly assaulted her. Kalibo, Aklan last Jan. 2. His colleagues condemned the Press Club (NPC) apparently con- GMA-7 reporter Charlene Belvis Charie “Katribung Che” Indel- attack and called on the Philippine vinced him to issue an apology filed charges of slander by deed, ible, news director and anchor of National Police (PNP) to conduct letter and withdraw from his coun- grave oral defamation, and physi- local government-run radio station a “thorough and full investigation sel Harry Roque to give the law- cal injuries against Andrea dyYM 98.5 Hot FM, was on his way of the shooting incident.” yers of NPC the right to negotiate Gorriceta. Belvis, 24, sustained home onboard his motorcycle “It is with great despair that the Adonis’s case with the alleged scratches and bruises after when gunmen fired at him at attack came a day before the paramour. Adonis has been asked Gorriceta allegedly attacked her in- around 11:45 p.m. Indelible was death anniversary of Agong by Nograles and his alleged par- side the Jaro district police station. not hurt. Rolando Ureta, who was killed on amour to apologize as a pre-con- The news website Inquirer.net Indelible told the Center for January 3, 2001 in Lezo, Aklan”, ADONIS GERMELINA LACORTE dition for his release. reported that Gorriceta, who was Media Freedom and Responsibil- said the statement signed by the Alexander “Lex” Adonis, for- Several media reports after allegedly involved in a road mis- ity (CMFR) that he had come from Publishers Association of the Phil- merly of Bombo Radyo in Davao Adonis’s release quoted Nograles hap, attacked Belvis after appar- a colleague’s house and was ap- ippines Inc.-Aklan, Kapisanan ng City, was released from the as saying that he and NPC con- ently getting irked when Belvis and proximately 20 to 30 meters away mga Broadkaster ng Philipinas, Davao Penal Colony (also known vinced the alleged paramour to her crew continued taking footage from his boarding house when he Aklan Media Forum, Aklan Press as the Davao Prison and Penal withdraw the charges of libel of her and her car despite her re- was attacked. Club, National Union of Journal- Farm) at around 2 p.m. last Dec. against the jailed broadcaster. quest not to. Indelible ran up his boarding ists of the Philippines- Aklan chap- 23 after the Department of Jus- Upon his release, Adonis read Footage from GMA-7’s house and called the police. After ter, Aklan United Media Associa- tice (DoJ)-Bureau of Corrections a statement expressing his grati- primetime news program 24 Oras a few minutes, he went outside tion, Aklan Sangguniang (BuCor) approved his release. tude to the media organizations showed Gorriceta, 27, slapping and saw two unknown men in Panlalawigan Press Corps, Press The release order, signed by DoJ and individuals who helped him Belvis on the side of her head. front of his boarding house. Photographers of the Philippines undersecretary and BuCor direc- during his detention and worked Gorriceta was also seen pulling “They seemed to be accom- Aklan-Boracay, and the Aklan Po- tor Oscar Calderon included 52 for his release. He also explained Belvis’ hair, until she fell to the plices of the gunmen and were lice and Defense Press Corps and other prisoners, GMANews.TV his decision to apologize. “The floor inside the Jaro district police checking if I was injured,” Indel- several radio stations. “(W)e reported. decision to say sorry…was a hard station at around 3:55 a.m. of the ible said in Filipino. urged our media colleagues and Dodong Solis of the Kapisanan move I had taken. I would like to same day. More shots were fired at him the press freedom community to ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas state now the truth that while I did In a phone interview with the from a building across his board- carry on banding together against (KBP)-Mindanao Chapter and ra- say sorry, it did not in any way mean Center for Media Freedom and ing house while he was question- all attempts to suppress us as we dio station Radio Mindanao Net- a capitulation of the truth I have Responsibility, Belvis said she had ing the two men. He immediately maintain our commitment as work told the Center for Media been pursuing nor did it mean an repeatedly told Gorriceta that she took cover behind a car parked in guardians of public interest and Freedom and Responsibility admission of my guilt,” Adonis was “Sorry, I have to. It’s my job.” front of his boarding house, and the independent voice of the (CMFR) that Adonis was released said. The Inquirer.net report said then went to the hospital nearby people.” due to his December 2007 parole. Roque, the former counsel of Gorriceta allegedly hit a certain to take refuge. But police said the attack was The DoJ-Board of Pardon and Adonis, said in a statement that Ria Aquino earlier while parking Indelible said he tried to hold not related to Indelible’s work. Paroles ordered his release on “there was no need for that apol- her car in front of the MO2 bar and the two suspected accomplices at Aklan police provincial director Dec. 11, 2007 after he had served ogy.” He added that “Mr. Adonis restaurant in Mandurriao district, St. Jude hospital with the help of Senior Supt. Clarence Guinto told the minimum sentence for a libel had already been paroled. It was Iloilo City. She also allegedly the hospital’s security guard until CMFR in a phone interview that case. But Davao Penal Colony his legal right to be released from bumped into a concrete post, the the police came, but they were initial findings showed that the able to run away. warden Supt. Venancio Tesoro re- prison, a right that Director Tesoro report said. suspects attacked Indelible out of Local police recovered.38 and fused to release him when a sec- refused to recognize. That is why The Iloilo chapter of the Na- whim. “They took a fancy on him,” .45 caliber pistol shells around ond libel case based on the same we filed a petition for the wrot of tional Union of Journalists of the Guinto said in a Jan. 5 Philippine Indelible’s boarding house. report for which he had been con- habeas corpus before the Su- Philippines (NUJP) condemned Daily Inquirer report. Police later captured the two victed was filed by a woman al- preme Court.” A petition for a writ the attack. “Even if we grant that Two Aklan-based journalists/ men who were allegedly at leged to be the paramour of House of habeas corpus asking for the the television team went over- media practitioners have been Indelible’s boarding house, as well of Representatives Speaker release of Adonis was filed by the board in taking videos of the inci- killed in the line of duty since as one of the suspected gunmen. Prospero Nograles. CMFR and NUJP last May 30. dent despite the request of Ms. 1986. The cases of the 2001 kill- Indelible said these three men Last May 26, Tesoro still re- Adonis was convicted on Jan. Gorriceta, the physical attack on ing of Rolando Ureta and the point to a certain Miguel Salcedo fused to release Adonis despite a 26, 2007 for the first libel case Ms. Belvis cannot be justified,” 2004 killing of Herson Hinolan are and a certain Jojo Garmino as the release order by the Davao Re- filed against him by Nograles. NUJP said in a statement. currently being tried at a local court other gunmen. Salcedo and gional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 Davao congressman Nograles, the “We also raise questions why in Cebu City. Garmino are at large. after Davao media colleagues fourth most powerful person in the it was possible for Ms. Belvis to Indelible told CMFR he was paid a P5,000 bail bond for Ado- Philippines, filed libel charges in be physically manhandled inside surprised by the slay attempt. In- Jailed nis. Tesoro, who has only custo- October 2001 for Adonis’s report the Jaro police station in front of delible did not receive any threat broadcaster dial powers over prisoners, argued on his alleged extra-marital af- policemen,” NUJP added. prior to the incident. The last death released that the pending case disqualified fairs. Adonis, reading from a tab- The Commission of Human threat he received was in the first A Davao broadcaster was re- Adonis from parole. loid, reported on his program that Rights in Western Visayas also quarter of 2008, he said. leased last Dec. 23 after spending The alleged paramour with- Nograles had been caught in a said that although Gorriceta has a But Indelible and his col- almost two years in prison in Davao drew the second libel case in Oc- compromising situation with his right to privacy, Belvis on the other leagues believe the attack was del Norte for libel. Libel is a crimi- tober 2008 after Adonis issued a alleged paramour in a hotel in hand has the responsibility to in- related to his work. In a phone in- nal offense in the Philippines. public apology. The Davao City RTC Manila. form the public. n 26...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... CHRONICLE

JVO Awards for ASEAN Summit in November 2007. Abaño’s report was published in documentary was I-Witness: The He was a radio reporter and com- Excellence in The fellowship theme is “The Chal- BusinessMirror’s Perspective GMA Documentaries. mentator at the dyLA-AM 909 Kilo- Journalism lenge for Democracy and Human section on June 19, 2008. In the photojournalism category, hertz station in Cebu City before he FILIPINO PRINT journalists may Rights Under the New ASEAN Char- She shared the honor with Juan the best single photo winner was joined the government. Remonde was nominate their best investigative and ter”. Carlos Machorro of Mi Ambiente Sonny M. Espiritu of the Philippine also a former six-term chair of the explanatory reports for the Jaime V. “Given such developments and newspaper in Mexico. Manchorro Human Rights Reporting Project. Jes Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Ongpin Awards for Excellence in continuing concerns, the SEAPA Jour- also received the gold medal for the Aznar of Newsbreak received a Pilipinas (KBP). Journalism (JVOAEJ). Deadline is on nalism Fellowship 2009 asks: What same prize for his report on Mexico’s citation for his photo essay. The He finished his Bachelor of Arts Feb. 16, 2009. The JVOAEJ is on its issues and stories might the region’s environmental problems. photojournalism category was first degree, magna cum laude, from the 20th year. journalists want/need to highlight or The awards were supported by the included this year. University of the Visayas. Remonde The report must have a minimum explore to illustrate and discuss con- UN Foundation, Antena 3 TV of Each category also had runner- was also senior adviser to the GRP- of 1,000 words. It should have been tinuing challenges for democracy Spain, the Euro-American Women’s up winners. NDF Peace Panel. He took up Coop- published from Jan. to Dec. 2008 in and human rights in Southeast Asia, Council, and UNCA. The competition was supported eration and Development Studies at a newspaper (including community/ the new ASEAN Charter considered Abaño works as a Baguio by the United Nations Population the Afro-Asia Institute in Tel Aviv, Is- provincial) or magazine of mass or notwithstanding?”, SEAPA said in correspondent for BusinessMirror. She Fund and organizations expert in the rael in 1986. circulation, and written by a Filipino its press release. also writes for various publications field of population and development. Remonde also became chair of journalist or group of journalists, Interested applicants may submit such as the Inter Press News Service, the Advertising Board of the Philip- whether freelancers or regularly a story proposal (no more than 1,000 Women’s Feature Service, Science and Muslim Mindanao pines, the Freedom Fund for Filipino employed in a news organization. words). along with an application form Development Network. website launched Journalists, and the Appeals Board The awards will recognize the downloadable from the SEAPA Abaño told the Philippines Graphic JOURNALISTS REPORTING on or of the Movie and Television Review best reports on the following issues: website. Applicants must also submit last Dec. 22 that her trip to the Republic interested in issues related to and Classification Board (MTRCB), governance and corruption, human two articles published from 2007 to of Haiti, a country in the Caribbean, Mindanao can visit a new website and commissioner of the Communi- rights, the environment, and the 2009, an ID picture, curriculum vi- was sponsored under the Media21 that contains a variety of reference cations Committee for UNESCO. financial/economic crisis. tae, and certification of employment Global Journalism Network, Geneva materials on Muslim Mindanao. The Center for Media Freedom and from their media company while Fellowship. The fellowship is a program The website www.muslim Filipino TV news Responsibility (CMFR), the technical freelancers may submit certification by InfoSud news agency, a non-profit mindanao.ph includes, among oth- programs honored and administrative secretariat of the from editors of publications where organization based in Geneva, ers, articles by experts and scholars LOCAL TELEVISION news and JVOAEJ, is also conducting an their submitted clips appeared. Switzerland. Media21 is a multimedia on Muslim affairs, a glossary of public affairs programs copped two independent scan to identify qualified Fellows are required to finish a management service provider. terms, population statistics, a direc- each for gold and silver and one print articles and reports. The draft of an investigative/news fea- Abaño told Philippines Graphic tory of resource persons, an interac- bronze medal at the Television Pro- scanning process makes sure that ture article on their chosen topic by the poverty and despair she tive map of Mindanao, and docu- gramming and Promotion Awards of articles that are not nominated are the end of the fellowship program in witnessed in Haiti was “far more ments explaining the culture of the 2009 New York Festivals (NYF). included for evaluation for the awards, May. Fellows are also expected to extreme than the Philippines”. Mindanao and its people. The 51-year-old NYF recognizes which will be given in June 2009. Entry publish their final articles in their “I can’t imagine my kids going The website, its proponents said, the best work in advertising and tele- forms can be downloaded from the home publications within a month through all the violence and poverty aims to help “build the competence vision programming worldwide. It is CMFR website (http://www.cmfr- of the conclusion of the program. there…. It really tells us how we take of print, broadcast or online journal- a member of the International phil.org). Completed forms and Past Filipino fellows include: Tita our nice country and lifestyle for ists and other communicators cover- Awards Group (AME Awards, Global photocopies of the reports must be Valderama, Patricia Evangelista granted,” she said. ing or writing about Muslim affairs.” Awards, Midas Awards), a for profit submitted to the CMFR office at 2/F (2008); Joel V. Escobilla, Joseph Is- The website is a joint project of company. Ateneo Professional Schools Salcedo, rael M. Laban (2007); Allen V. Estabillo, 4th PopDev media the Asian Institute of Journalism and ABS-CBN 2, GMA-7 and QTV-11 130 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Germelina Lacorte, Leizel Longboan awards Communication and the UNESCO also won medals and finalist certifi- Village, Makati City on or before Feb. (2006); Tess Bacala, Rafael Tima A NON-STOCK, non-profit National Commission of the Philip- cates for their entertainment pro- 16, 2009. If possible, digital copies (2005); Alexander “Alecks” Pabico organization composed of members pines with the cooperation of grams. Some of its news and public of the submitted reports must be (2004); Jofelle P. Tesorio, Mic Mic of Congress awarded journalists who Cybersoft and UNESCO Office affairs programs also received final- submitted. Entries submitted by mail Villaflor (2003); Miriam Grace A. Go, produced outstanding reports that Jakarta. ist certificates. Various television pro- must reach CMFR on or before the Yasmin Lee Arpon (2002). explain “the intrinsic connection Members of the editorial advisory grams in 31 countries were also given deadline. SEAPA is a non-profit, non-gov- between population factors and board and staff include scholars and medals and finalist certificates. Questions may be directed to ernmental regional press freedom socio-economic issues” last Nov. 25. journalists, both Muslims and Chris- GMA-7’s primetime news pro- CMFR at any of the following alliance established in Bangkok in The Philippine Legislators’ tians: Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid, gram 24 Oras and the profile docu- numbers: (+63 2) 894-1314/894- November 1998. Its founding mem- Committee on Population and Eric Canoy, Carlos Conde, William mentary on fashion designer Inno 1326. CMFR may also be emailed bers are: Thai Journalists Associa- Development (PLCPD) gave cash Esposo, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Datu Sotto of its sister network Quality at [email protected]. tion, Institute on Studies for Free prizes, trophies, certificates, and a Michael Mastura, Jose Pavia, Amina Television (QTV)-11 both received the The JVOAEJ is one of the three Flow of Information (Indonesia), Alli- chance to go on a study trip to a PLCPD Rasul, Chito Salazar, lawyer Soliman Gold World Medal. 24 Oras won in flagship programs of the CMFR. The ance of Independent Journalists (In- project area in the Philippines to the Santos Jr., Samuel Tan, and Samira the Coverage of an Ongoing Story annual event seeks to promote donesia), Center for Media Freedom winners of the annual competition. Gutoc Tomawis. category for its coverage on Corporal excellence in the practice of and Responsibility, and Philippine The winners in the print and Angelo Abeto, who was killed last year investigative and explanatory Center for Investigative Journalism. online category were: David Chavez Remonde replaces in an encounter with the Moro Is- reporting, which involves research, Dizon, abs-cbnNEWS.com (Best Dureza as press lamic Liberation Front (MILF). inquiry, corroboration and analysis. Freelance journalist News Reportage); Rene Ezpeleta secretary 24 Oras also took home the Sil- wins UN award Bartolo, The Mindanao Times (Best FORMER PRESIDENTIAL Man- ver World Medal award in the Best 2009 SEAPA A FILIPINO freelance journalist Opinion or Editorial Piece); Isa agement Staff (PMS) head Cerge Newscast Category for the coverage Journalism Fellowship won one of the three major awards Lorenzo, Philippine Center for Remonde took over Jesus Dureza’s of the MILF’s assault in Kauswagan, Filipino journalists may apply to last Dec. 4 in the United Nations Investigative Journalism (Best post as press secretary Feb. 1 after Lanao del Norte last Aug. 18. ABS- the 8th Southeast Asian Press Alli- Correspondents Association’s Feature or Magazine Article), and Malacañang reshuffled the Cabinet CBN-2’s Bandila was also a recipi- ance Journalism Fellowship Program (UNCA) annual search for best Cherry Ann T. Lim, Rene H. Martel, last Jan. 21. Dureza, who spent seven ent of the Silver World Medal for its which will run for three weeks in May. printed, electronic and broadcast Garry Cabotaje, Allan I. Varquez, months as press secretary, is now investigative report on substandard Deadline is on March 15, 2009. report on the UN. Gerome M. Dalipe, and Mayette Chief Presidential Legal Counsel. food supplements. The fellowship allows journalists Imelda Visaya-Abaño bagged the Tabada, Sun.Star Cebu (Best Remonde, who served as head of GMA-7’s Reporter’s Notebook, a to explore issues concerning democ- gold medal for the UN Foundation Investigative Report). the Government Mass Media Group television news magazine program, racy and human rights in the con- Prize for Reporting on Humanitarian In the radio category, the best before becoming PMS head, was won the Bronze World Medal in the text of the new Association of South- and Development Affairs for her radio program was Magandang Gabi among the original Cabinet members Best Public Affairs Program category east Asian Nations (ASEAN) Charter report “Inside Haiti: Hunger and Dok of DZMM 630 kHz. In the appointed by President Gloria for its “Pinays for Export: The Asian that was adopted during the 13th Hatred in an Unhealed Land”. television category, the best TV Macapagal Arroyo in 2001. Sex Trafficking Trail” report. n ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ...... 27 OBIT ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ERASGA, 58 A CLASH OF VALUES VETERAN FILIPINO broadcast journalist David Noel Erasga died of a heart attack last Dec. 30. He was 58. A dxMR-Radyo ng Bayan senior radio broadcaster at the time of his death, Erasga began his career at the defunct dxYZ radio station in the late 1970s. From page 28 blogging to improve their jour- is not so much resistance but He and his brothers established and managed the Leaders Press, the oldest offset publicly because it would betray nalism. a failure to fully grasp new printing press in Zamboanga City. Erasga also published the oldest offset newspaper their bias and, as a result, make Having said that, however, I media’s potentials and a pas- in the city, Zamboanga Star (formerly known as the Zamboanga Newswatch and later, it difficult for them to do their don’t think it is wise of journal- sivity and complacency born the Business Star). job as reporters. (This is why you ists to impose their values and out of the fact that what they Erasga was president of the Zamboanga Press Club in 2000. He also served as seldom see journalists writing their methods on bloggers, and do right now seems to still president of the Zamboanga Columnists Club for three years (2001-2004). columns. And most of those who vice versa. It not only seems ar- work so they don’t feel com- (Source: Philippine News Agency) did decide to become pundits did rogant – it is pointless. As I’ve pelled to change. so after retiring from the news- said, blogging and journalism It’s an attitude that will POWELL, 89 room.) are different animals. The best change, however, once old U.S. GOVERNMENT critic and journalist John W. Powell died of complications Still, I’d like to think my opin- they can do is complement each media’s bottomline is hit hard from pneumonia last Dec. 15. He was 89. ion pieces were grounded on other. by declining print advertising, Powell was tried for sedition in the 1950s because of his articles, published in the more solid information, on Case in point: the story of as we are seeing in the US, or China Monthly Review, alleging that the United States and Japan used biological sounder analysis. These views Meliton Zamora, the janitor at once they see that the domain weapons (germ warfare) in North Korea and China. The government eventually dropped were formed by my own jour- the University of the Philip- that they have occupied for de- the case after five years. nalistic appreciation of facts, not pines (UP) who retired broke cades is being threatened by new Powell published and edited the English-language China Monthly Review by some knee-jerk instinct to because, as a blog earlier said, media. They will not resist this magazine in Shanghai. expose and shame members of a the student loans he had guar- change simply because they After studying at the University of Missouri journalism school, Powell joined the political dynasty allied with a anteed while employed at the know they cannot win. To insist, U.S. Office of War Information as a news editor during the World War II. regime that is mired in corrup- university had not been paid therefore, that they are pig- tion. But in my rush, fueled by by the students and so UP sup- headed has-beens trying to keep MULLIGAN, 83 outrage, to make public my posedly deducted all those the status quo, as if they were a ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP) reporter Hugh Aloysius Mulligan died last Nov. 26 at opinion about a potentially ex- loans from his retirement ben- bunch of Luddites, would be to age 83. plosive issue, I threw all caution efits. While the blog first ignore the technological ad- Mulligan visited nearly 150 countries around the globe covering stories of war, and good judgment to the wind. brought Zamora’s plight to the vances journalists have made in religion, politics, and anything of human interest. He joined AP in December 1951 I forgot that I was, before any- public, it was not entirely ac- newsrooms around the world in and retired in 2000. thing else, a journalist. curate: turns out only one loan the past 75 years. He wrote books with other AP staffers which included topics such as the Kennedy It would be a disservice to so- had not been paid (P5,000) We will soon see, in other assassination and the 1967 six-day war. He also authored books on Vietnam, the ciety if journalists lost sight of and the reason he retired pen- words, these old media denizens racehorse Kelso, and Sherlock Holmes. He published his memoirs in 2005 called who they are and what they do niless was because UP did not improving journalism by us-

Been Everywhere, Got Nowhere. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ and resort to just whining in pay him the sick leaves that ing new media technology, and He served the US Army during the World War II. Mulligan later completed a Bachelor their blogs about matters that Zamora insists he never the public will be the better for of Arts degree at Vermont’s Marlboro College. He earned a journalism degree at Boston they should otherwise be inves- availed. But as a result of the it. Because, really, if there’s University and a master’s in English literature at Harvard. tigating. blog, the mainstream press got anybody who’s in the best posi- His awards included a 1996 Overseas Press Club of America Award for his reports An argument can be made wind of the story and the Phil- tion right now to use new me- on Vietnam War and Money magazine listed him among the “All Time Greats” in that journalists, because of ippine Daily Inquirer later ran dia to improve journalism, it’s journalism. their training, would be in a a front-page article about those who are already in the better position to blog about Zamora–and set the record newsrooms, and not some BURT, 81 public issues and events. Can’t straight. To be sure, other blogger in a pajama trying his THE MIAMI Herald journalist Al Burt succumbed to chronic illness and heart I apply in my blogging the bloggers could correct the er- shrillest best to carve out a trouble last Nov. 29. He was 81. very same discipline I use in ror but I doubt if they would niche in a crowded market by Burt, who worked as a journalist for 45 years, began his career at the Independent my journalism? I certainly spend the same amount of turning blogging into a tool for Florida Alligator during his student days. He graduated from the University of Florida can, though it would be time, energy and resources what amounts to nothing but College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) in 1949. mighty difficult, probably that the Inquirer had put in heckling. (Hecklers proliferate He first served the Herald as a sports writer in the 1950s. Burt was most remembered even impossible. Blogging, by writing Zamora’s story. in the blogosphere because by his work as its Latin America editor. In 1965, he was nearly killed in an accident its very nature, cannot be en- that’s apparently one way to get during the civil war in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Marines, feeling threatened at a dowed with the same charac- Resistant to Change? noticed.) checkpoint, fired at the taxi carrying Burt and Herald photographer Doug Kennedy. teristics that make journalism While I am certain that Think about it: Who do you Both passengers were severely injured but Burt eventually recovered and returned to such an important force in our most bloggers do not entertain think runs most of the web-based work. society—gate-keeping to filter the notion that what they do and multimedia news organiza- He was also a news reporter, editorial writer, and columnist. He also wrote for the the irrelevant and verifica- can be considered journalism, tions in the world? Yes, that’s United Press International, the Atlanta Journal, and The Jacksonville Journal. tion to root out the lies; an edi- there are a few but vociferous correct: journalists who earned Burt won many journalism awards including the Ernie Pyle Award in 1961 for torial system whose bedrock is who do, exploiting the sins and their spurs in the newsrooms of stories about Cuba. The award honors human-interest writing. In 2002, UFCJC the objective processing of data shortcomings of the main- old media. recognized him as among its “alumni of distinction”. He is also in the Alligator Hall and information. stream press to promote them- Still, journalists who blog of Fame. If bloggers adopted these selves as the alternative to and who value their profession Also an author, he wrote the books “Florida: A Place in the Sun (1974)”, “Becalmed characteristics, well and good. mainstream media. I am an have no choice, I think, but to in the Mullet Latitudes (1984)”, “Al Burt’s Florida (1997)”, and “The Tropic of Cracker And to their credit, a number of advocate of alternative jour- navigate the blogging terrain (1999)”. news organizations allow their nalism but I am not entirely carefully. As I found out in my journalists to blog, although sold to the idea that “blogging case, being also a blogger even- NEITA, 78 unlike the regular blogger, what is the new journalism” or that tually clashed with my values VETERAN JAMAICAN journalist Hartley Neita died from what appeared to be a these journalists write in their so-called citizen journalists, and instincts as a journalist. heart-related illness last Dec. 12 at age 78. blogs are subject to the same edi- with blogging as one of their It’s tough to play by the rules The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) honored Neita for his 60-year service to torial process that their stories tools, would eventually run in a game that practically has the journalism profession in 2007. He began his media career at The Star writing short go through. And those journal- journalism out the door. none. n stories, movie reviews, and sports reports. Since 1993, he was a regular columnist at ists who blog outside the purview Moreover, these bloggers ...... The Gleaner. of their editors are cognizant often insist that old media Carlos H. Conde is a journal- Neita was press secretary to several prime ministers of different political parties. enough of the possible effect types resist the advent of new ist based in Manila. He writes for Also an author, he wrote the biographies of two Jamaican prime ministers: “Hugh blogging has on their journalism media. That’s nonsense. The The New York Times, the Inter- Shearer—A Voice for the People” and “Donald Sangster—They called Him Mr. that they put disclaimers on reason most mainstream national Herald Tribune and Commonwealth”. Neita also wrote “The Search”, a book on the lost school boys in the their blogs. In other words, news media in the Philippines GlobalPost.com. He blogs at Blue Mountains in Jamaica in 1939. n many journalists are able to use are slow to adapt new media pinoypress.net and GMANews.TV. 28 ...... • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009 ......

behave like that. Blogging and Journalism: Journalists who blog, like me, therefore have gotten them- selves in a dilemma: When I blog, do I stop being a journal- ist? I have been asking myself A CLASH OF this question ever since I real- ized the mistakes I committed in MANIX ABRERA my posts on the Pangandaman case. VALUES? By blogging about public is- sues or events—things that I Blogging was not invented for should otherwise be cov- ering as a journalist journalists and may not be an ideal —I exposed myself to the intellectual and medium for them. expected her—to do exactly what ethical trip-ups she did. that are inherent in The same can be said of the blogging. For instance, other bloggers, whose outrage, does my audience distin- as can be gleaned from their guish the blogger from posts and the comments sec- the journalist? When I, as a tions of their blogs, quickly blogger, commit errors, does n By Carlos H. Conde turned into the digital equiva- the distinction still hold so lent of a mass lynching, which that if my credibility as a ’VE BEEN thinking long and hard lately about is fine, because the medium al- blogger suffers, my credibility blogging and how, at least in my case, it fosters lows that. I was the guy in red as a journalist remains intact? intellectual indolence, which can be detrimental to shirt with the baseball bat By blogging, am I not, shouting “Let’s kill these bas- though unwittingly, promoting a journalist like me. tards!” a medium that, because of its Blogging is a great invention. Used properly, it As a journalist, I should have The discipline in great potential for misuse, can Icomplements journalism in ways that are not possible five known better. blogging—if you in fact damage my journalism? or 10 years ago. More important, blogging democratizes In itself, the brawl at the Val- One can argue that the me- expression and has proved crucial in the struggle by many ley Golf Club was a fascinating can call it dium is not the problem; it’s how story, with an even fascinating people use it. One can also argue citizens in repressive regimes to be heard. backstory from each side: a fam- discipline— is that the mainstream press has Since the Pangandaman case haved like warlords and that ily of powerful politicians from always been full of irresponsible exploded, however, I have been Nasser Pangandaman Sr. did not a region known for their goons different from reportage and careless commen- entertaining the idea that deserve his appointment as peace and guns versus a family of golf- tary way before blogging was maybe blogging is best left to negotiator because he couldn’t ers trying to make it big in golf. that of invented. But that’s not an ar- people who have advocacies and even stop a simple misunder- I felt strongly about what gument for journalists to start causes but are shut out by the standing from escalating into a happened (at least according to journalism blogging about public issues—it mainstream media. Or those brawl—I realized that it was an Bambee), but instead of investi- is an argument against it. The who have interesting things to incomplete assessment of what gating the incident and getting answer to bad journalism is good say about themselves, or what had happened. to the truth of it, as any jour- swat first and ask questions journalism, not blogging. they had for dinner last night, The problem lies, of course, nalist ought to do and as I have later. That baseball bat was so Blogging is neat if all I blog or why The Curious Case of Ben- with the fact that I, like the done in other stories in the past, conveniently within reach. about is how cute my sons are. jamin Button is a charming but gazillion bloggers out there, re- I put on my other hat and But it must be said that, be- But looking back at my blogging tedious movie. lied solely on the word of Bambee merely blogged about it. cause of its nature, blogging is output over the years, particu- Blogging was not invented dela Paz, whose account of the Did I attempt to get the side such that it is very easy to be larly recently, I see that I had for journalists and may not be incident was, as can be ex- of the Pangandamans? I did not. lazy, irresponsible and careless been drawn into a world where an ideal medium for them. (In- pected, biased. Although she Did I investigate whether what with it. it is extremely easy to carelessly deed, some even believe that may not know it at the time, her Bambee dela Paz wrote was ac- regurgitate lies and half-truths, blogging was invented precisely post was a classic example of pro- curate or truthful? I did not. My Accountability even asinine thought. While to get around the conventions of paganda warfare: if you want to outrage had been vented, so why Journalists are accountable blogging provides a venue where mainstream journalism.) It is control the agenda, put out your bother? It was so goddamn easy. to the public. They have a cov- I can say whatever I want to say, clear to me now that journalism version first, and as quickly as Blogging about the golf enant with their audience. particularly things that I am is one hat and blogging another. you can. The more heartbreak- brawl allowed me to let off Their main currencies are accu- not able to say in my journalis- And a journalist, in my view, ing the tale, the better. steam. What that did was give racy and fairness. I don’t think tic pieces because of the conven- cannot wear two hats—espe- From a propaganda stand- me visceral pleasure—I hate ar- these should apply to bloggers tions and restrictions of my pro- cially those that, because of point, the odds were stacked rogant pricks, particularly ar- who use such a loose, free-wheel- fession, I now think that it might their respective natures, simply against the Pangandamans. rogant pricks who hold office— ing medium that has great po- be impossible to make a distinc- don’t fit if worn at the same They not only belonged to a po- but it waylaid my instincts as a tential for misuse. Bloggers are tion between my journalist self time. litical class that is easy to pi- journalist. generally only accountable to and my blogging doppelganger. I would be lying if I said geonhole and excoriate—they Let me make it clear that I themselves. I can, of course, continue wear- that this self-examination was behaved precisely as people who am not blaming blogging per se, The discipline in blogging— ing both hats for as long as I could not prompted by the so-called belong to that class tended to be- just as I am not faulting radio if you can call it discipline—is but sooner or later, something’s “golf war” and how it played have. Plus, they apparently do for the rise of so-called shock different from that of journal- got to give. out, i.e. that the Valley Golf not blog. jocks or newspapers for those ism. Bloggers can be, and are Make no mistake: I have al- and Country Club manage- Bambee dela Paz certainly pseudo-journalists, called hao- allowed to be, whimsical. Jour- ways been an opinionated per- ment had practically exoner- was well within her right to siao, who extort money from nalists are involved in a fact- son. Even before some genius ated the Pangandamans, who publish that post. And I’m glad politicians and corrupt customs checking process that should coined the word blog, I was al- have been vilified on the In- that she did, because, as I’ve officials. have no room for whimsy. ready writing commentary and ternet left and right. mentioned in an earlier post, What happened in my case Bloggers can be trigger-happy opinion pieces, ignoring the view Although I still stand by what blogging can be a tool to correct is more the result of a lack of dis- because the medium tempts the held by many that reporters I had initially written in my blog an injustice. She merely used a cipline to fight the temptation— undisciplined to shoot his mouth should not voice their opinion —that the Pangandamans be- medium that allowed her—no, strongest among bloggers—to off. We expect journalists not to Turn to page 27