JULY-AUGUST• JULY-AUGUST 2009 2009 

WHAT’S iNSIDE Gloria Arroyo, A Chilling After 20 Traveling Comparison Years, A Everything the The ghost of Recess Philippine head of the political past for the state does abroad has risen in the JVOAEJ is fair game for present A recess, the media not an end A DEATH LIKE NO

OTHERn By Hector Bryant L. Macale

he Philippine press mirrored the nation’s collective grief over the passing of former Pres- ident Corazon “Cory” Aquino last Aug. 1. For at least a week, the death, wake and funeral of Aquino—who fought colon cancer for 16 Tmonths—overshadowed other stories such as Gloria Ma- capagal Arroyo’s recent US trip. Aquino’s death was like no other in recent history, reminding everyone not only of her role in the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, but also of the need to resist all forms of tyranny. Because of its significance as well as the context in which Aqui- no’s death occurred, the flood of men, women and children that filled the Cathedral and the streets of the capital to catch a final glimpse of her sent not only a message of grief and gratitude. It also declared that had not forgotten Cory Aquino’s singular role in removing a dic- tatorship, and implied that they resent the efforts by the Arroyo regime to amend the 1987 Consti- tution, thus validating the results of the numerous surveys that not Turn to page 14 Photos by LITO OCAMPO  • JULY-AUGUST 2009 editors’ NOTE PUBLISHED BY THE CENTER FOR MEDIA FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

Melinda Quintos de Jesus Publisher

Luis V. Teodoro Editor

Blaming the media Hector Bryant L. Macale alacañang was on the offensive last week, from 2010 aspirants, which makes the media immoral. Managing Editor as the details of the million-peso dinners (there Macalintal did not launch into any criticism of the prin- Mwere several) Gloria Arroyo and her cipals—the candidates come 2010 who have been evading Melanie Y. Pinlac retinue consumed before and after her Aug. 1 audience of the legal restrictions against political campaigning prior to Kathryn Roja G. Raymundo 30 minutes with US President Barack Obama unfolded. the official campaign period, which for 2010 starts in Feb- Edsel Van DT. Dura Among the objects of Palace ire were the media in the Phil- ruary. Alaysa Tagumpay E. Escandor ippines and the United States. Again, however, it makes perverse sense to attack the Reporters The New York Post came in for some harsh words from media instead. Arroyo spokesman Anthony Golez, who derided the Post Doing so makes it appear that the scandals that have Vaneli as “a tabloid pretending to be a .” The Post has hounded the Arroyo regime—as all other reports of wrong- Art Director never made such a claim, and it would be absurd for it to doing—are all the media’s fault, and makes Mrs. Arroyo do so, there being no reason for it. Since it was a column and company victims rather than victimizers. Lito Ocampo in the Post which was the source of the information that This is neither new nor original. The regime has been Photographer Mrs. Arroyo and company had dined at the high-end New fairly consistent as far as the media are concerned. The York restaurant Le Cirque at a cost of US$20,000, it made media were apparently major targets of the regime plan to Carol M. Paragele perverse sense for Golez to try to put it down. But a publi- declare martial rule in 2005, as well as its declaration of a Editorial Secretary cation’s being a tabloid—and its being a Rupert Murdoch national emergency in early 2006, in the belief that with- publication, as the Post is—does not automatically make its out the media, no information unfavorable to it would ever Jose Abueva reports or commentaries unreliable, just as a publication’s come to light. Joaquin Bernas, SJ being a broadsheet doesn’t make everything in it accurate, This is a distinctly authoritarian argument which could Melinda Quintos de Jesus fair, relevant, etc. and has led to restrictions on the media. It was at the core Fulgencio Factoran The attack on the Post was an echo of an outburst by Mrs. of the media censorship and government regulation that Maribel Ongpin Arroyo’s , Romulo Macalintal, against the Philippine imposed upon the declaration of mar- Tina Monzon Palma media. Macalintal had earlier declared the Philippine media tial law in 1972, and would no doubt would have been the Paulynn Paredes Sicam unworthy of accusing anyone of immoral behavior, of which justification for media restrictions if the current regime’s Luis V. Teodoro some columnists and editorial writers have accused Mrs. Ar- plans to declare had materialized. n Vergel O. Santos royo and company. After all, he said, the media were accept- Board of Advisers ing for publication and airing thinly disguised political ads LUIS V. TEODORO

PJR Reports (Philippine Journalism Review Reports) is published by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. All mail PRESSED FREEDOM Manix Abrera should be addressed to: PJR Reports Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility 2/F Ateneo Professional Schools, 130 H.V. dela Costa St. Salcedo Village 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 The publication of this issue is supported by a grant from the Open Society Institute. issues. • JULY-AUGUST 2009  frontPAGE speaking The death of former President once more of MEDIA brought thousands of Filipinos to the streets Media and the right to vote “Macapagal-Arroyo and other officials “(We are) set to explore the possibility profess their commitment to press free- of allowing journalists and media practi- dom, but their statements have proven to tioners to vote in absentia or ahead of elec- be nothing but lip service. The list of cases tions. The deprivation of the right to vote of media repression since 2001 is endless. of the considerable number of journalists in The imprisonment of Davao broadcaster the country during elections has become a Alex Adonis as a result of a libel case filed serious cause of our concern.” against him by the Speaker of the House –Election commissioner Lucenito Tagle on of Representatives shows how government extending absentee voting to media practi- officials can use the law to silence and in- in this tioners, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 20 timidate those who are critical of the pow- ers-that-be. Broadcast journalist Cheche Media and Imelda Lazaro was sued for wiretapping by a gov- “Her biggest and toughest battle, how- ernment official as a result of her work in issue ever, has always been in the media where exposing corruption. Journalists who went JULY-AUGUST 2009 the cruelest caricature and clichés about to Maguindanao were briefly detained her persist. Negative press opinion terrifies when they covered the conflict there. All are A Death Like No Other state prosecutors, judges and justices from the result of an atmosphere the Arroyo ad- confessing openly that sufficient evidence ministration has created which encourages Hector Bryant L. Macale 1 does not exist against her in any of her cas- media repression....” Reporting health crises es, and that, however terrible or unaccept- “Under these circumstances, the me- able it may appear, the law seems to favor dia have fought back to uphold and protect Hit-and-miss coverage her side.” press freedom and free expression. There EDSEL VAN Dt. dura 17 – Francisco Tatad on media’s treatment now exists a de facto alliance among me- and portrayal of , Philippine dia organizations and other cause-oriented ‘Twas the Season for Cha-cha/SONA Daily Inquirer, July 4 groups as the former fight the administra- Kathryn Roja G. Raymundo 7 tion’s hostility towards the press. The Free- State of Media dom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) Gloria Arroyo, Traveling “Philippine media have been under was established precisely in response to the Alaysa Tagumpay E. Escandor 10 siege since came unabated killings. Various media groups to power. The hostile environment her have issued position papers against onerous After 20 Years, A Recess for the JVOAEJ watch has created, unprecedented since the bills like the right of reply and to campaign Melinda Quintos de Jesus 11 Marcos period, has undermined the consti- for access to information and the decrimi- tutionally protected freedom of expression nalization of libel. The UP Film Institute Reactive Reporting in general and press freedom in particu- played a major role in the re-establishment Hector Bryant L. Macale 16 lar.” of the Task Force Free the Artists (TFFTA) “The killing of journalists persists. More to fight censorship.” The Press then and now than half of the journalists killed during the “Aware of the current administration’s A Chilling Comparison post-Marcos period were killed during the hostility towards press freedom, the College Macapagal-Arroyo administration. Only in Danilo Araña Arao reaffirms its commitment to help media 17 three cases—the murder of Edgar Dama- and journalist organizations defend press Analysis lerio, Marlene Esperat and Armando Pace freedom, and to be part of the de facto al- Impunity & Witness Protection —have the killers been convicted. However, liance that, by resisting the Arroyo admin- no mastermind has been prosecuted.” istration’s attack on the press and working Melanie Y. Pinlac 19 “A slew of libel cases, of which those for the enhancement of professional and filed by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo are ethical media practice, is at the same time The Power of the Image the most obvious evidence of regime hos- defending what remains of Philippine de- Alaysa Tagumpay E. Escandor 21 tility to criticism, transparency and press mocracy. The College will remain vigilant freedom, have been filed against criti- and continue to watch her, her government Everything I know, I learned on the job cal journalists. Media groups and at least and all her minions; and remain critical of RG Cruz 23 one journalist, Carlos Conde, have been all her actions.” tagged as enemies of the state either by the “Consistent with the call of the Univer- The Days of Cory military’s infamous ‘Knowing the Enemy’ sity Council of UP Diliman as early as 2005 presentation or its 2007 Order of Battle in Melinda Quintos de Jesus for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 28 Davao.” resignation, the UP College of Mass Com- REGULAR SECTIONS “The imposition of a state of national munication believes that her removal from emergency in 2006 highlighted the hostil- office can help create a better media envi- ity of the administration towards the free ronment in the country. Let it not be said Editor’s Note ...... 2 press as media organizations were put that the College chooses to be silent as me- Speaking of Media...... 3 under surveillance and threatened with dia repression continues under this admin- Monitor ...... 4 sedition charges. The mass arrests of jour- istration.” nalists during the – “Under Siege and Fighting Back,” Crisis ...... 24 in November 2007 also show not just the Statement of theUniversity of the Chronicle ...... 27 government’s ignorance of the workings Diliman College of Mass Communication of the press but also its contempt for press on the state of the media under the Arroyo Obit ...... 27 freedom.” regime, July 28  • JULY-AUGUST 2009 Cheers MONITOR Jeers Jeer of the Month Not content with three Fluff stories about Imelda (two of them front-page), hers was the Jeers to the Philip- paper’s main front-page photo pine Daily Inquirer for that day. “Still ‘Imeldific’ At 80,” its frothy coverage of the 80th said the Inquirer photo caption. birthday of Imelda Marcos, widow of the late dictator Fer- “Former First Lady Imelda Mar- th dinand Marcos. cos celebrates her 80 birthday “In true Imeldific fashion, wearing a gown in ‘frantic fuch- she glided down a red carpet, sia’ attended by a thousand at surrounded by little girls in the ballroom of Sofitel, formerly white dresses carrying bouquets the Philippine Plaza, the hotel of roses and trailed by tuxedo- she built by the bay in the ‘70s. wearing violin and flute players It’s a night of nonstop singing who rendered her favorite love and food binging with kilomet- Imelda Marcos LITO OCAMPO song”, began writer Larry Leviste ric buffet tables heavy with the in his July 4 front-page report of (House & Home)” category. cuisine of six nations spread Imelda’s event (“Imelda Marcos: Former Sen. Francisco Ta- though several function rooms The best and worst life”). tad, who was the first Minister adjacent to the ballroom. The of Information during martial guests say their last good nights Arroyo EXEQUIEL SUPERA-OPS/NIB Leviste’s account was all shallow glitz and glitter: it law, wrote a glowing front-page in the wee hours.” Sober reportage decision than a public issue, un- faithfully reported such details commentary about Imelda. Is it even necessary to say less there are other conditions as the luxurious international “The political rubbishing she that the Inquirer—founded dur- that make it an issue of collective Cheers to Newsbreak cuisine and the nonstop mu- has received since her husband ing the last days of the Marcos concern. Newsbreak provided an and the sic; the number and names of Ferdinand fell from power and dictatorship and with a reputa- example: the use of public funds for exercising good news value the socialites who attended as died has failed to dent her self- tion as a critical opposition pa- for the breast implants. Whether judgment over Gloria Macapagal well as the dresses and jewelry confidence. She still thinks of per—could have used the event Arroyo squandered public funds Arroyo’s health condition and, they wore; and the presidential doing things for the poor as as a peg to discuss issues far to satisfy vanity is precisely what in particular, her breast implant wannabes, politicians, showbiz though she had never left her more substantial, such as the Bondoc’s July 3 commentary fix. Cheers toPhilippine Star col- celebrities, and relatives who job in human settlements,” capacity (or lack thereof) of the “Thanked by Arroyo, Trumped umnist Jarius Bondoc for noting greeted Imelda at the party. At Tatad wrote. (“Imelda’s tough- government to recover Marco- by Customs” posed to the public. a crucial point missed by most Inquirer.net, Leviste’s front- est battle is in media”) None of ses’ ill-gotten wealth and the According to the commentary, beat reporting—Arroyo’s lack of page article was filed under the court cases filed against the rampant and still unresolved “Hospitalizing a President isn’t transparency on matters of pub- the “People, Fashion, Lifestyle Marcoses has moved for lack of human rights abuses under easy. Patients in five rooms at the lic concern, including her health. evidence, he added. martial law? n VIP 10th floor had to be moved, Last July 2, the Bulletin pub- to billet bodyguards and cooks; lished a sober and unembellished P4,000@, or total P20,000 a ty of the Philippines professor and report on the President’s stay at day. Arroyo was given two con- the Asian Hospital and Medical Inquirer columnist, was “ready to necting suites, P18,000@, or run” against President Gloria Ma- Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa total P36,000 a day, one for her, due to a self-imposed “quaran- capagal Arroyo “should she seek the other for the family.” a seat in the House representing tine” following her recent trip This was followed by an- abroad (“GMA medical check up the second district of their home other column piece on July 6, province of in 2010.” OK”). The news report rightly fo- “Caught lying, but still secretive (“UP prof ready to run vs Arroyo: cused on Arroyo’s state of health, about health”. Bondoc placed No Explanation David vs Goliath”) and revealed that, contrary to of- the President’s state of health Jeers to the Manila Looking at David’s quotes in ficial Malacañang statements as- in the larger context of the need for failing to the paper, however, revealed that suring a “clean bill of health” for for her transparency as well explain what the Philippines’ be- he did not exactly say he was ready the President, she was scheduled her Cabinet officials’. The piece ing the US’ “chief coordinator” for to run against Arroyo but that he to have a cyst or lump removed pointed out that, “The Presi- will think about it if she runs in addition to augmentation dent’s health is a state concern; Association of Southeast Asian (emphasis by PJR Reports). “If mammoplasty. she has the duty to disclose, and Nations (Asean) means. she runs, I will think about it very The reporting was without citizens have the right to know. In their Aug. 1 reportage, the Obama HTTP://WWW.PCPO.PH the sensationalist spin other na- Today, Philip- seriously. Yes, I think so. She will Feigning self-quarantine was conference chair and chief coordi- tional dailies took, which chose pine Daily Inquirer, The Daily not go unchallenged. She will not devious.” nator, they failed to say what the to excessively fixate public atten- Tribune and The Philippine Certainly, the state of health designation entailed. Neither was tion on Arroyo’s breast implants Star, bannered that US President of the president is a public is- it explained how Obama could as- and augmentation, and used the Barack Obama appointed the sue in so far as it affects per- sign the Philippines, supposedly a terms “boobs” and “boob job/s” Philippines as “chief coordinator” formance and ability, and even sovereign republic, such a role in liberally. for US relations to the ASEAN, as state of mind. Then President the ASEAN. The ASEAN members Last July 3, Newsbreak ex- well as chair of the Non-Prolifera- Ferdinand Marcos was rumored are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, plained that as early as 2006, it tion Treaty conference next year. in the 1980s to have lupus ery- Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the already had knowledge of Arroyo’s thematosus. The mosquito press The Bulletin reported the same Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, breast implants from an “unim- immediately tried to confirm the thing in its Aug. 1 page 6 report and Vietnam. peachable source”. It explained, rumor’s authenticity. Whether “Obama picks RP as country coor- however, that Newsbreak decided Marcos indeed had lupus, and if dinator for ASEAN” . against writing a story on the breast so, whether the disease was in its While the reports did say that Jumping to conclusions enhancement procedure because advanced stage, was of relevance the designation did not seem to “it’s really none of our business if to Philippine society because the herald any concrete benefits for Jeers to the Philippine she wanted padded boobs.” answers would suggest, among the Filipino people, in part because Daily Inquirer for over- The matter of breast augmen- others, a change of leaders or a the US may have other motivations reading. Last June 26, it head- tation was more of a personal transfer of power. n in designating the Philippines as lined that Randy David, Universi- David HTTP://WWW.INQUIRER.NET • JULY-AUGUST 2009  Cheers MONITOR Jeers

go unopposed; we will oppose not explain further. (“FVR flatters Fiona Rozario)” consulted psy- focus on trivial issues and person- her every step of the way,” David Gibo, but comes short of endors- chics, dream and symbol experts, alities and to encourage supersti- told Inquirer. “It’s probably the ing prexy bid,” p. 1). and tarot card readers to figure tion as a substitute for rational most foolish thing to do. I know Teodoro’s description of Ra- out the plans of Pres. Gloria Ma- analysis. But that doesn’t mean it it’s quixotic to run against the mos as a “leader’s leader,” was capagal Arroyo and the possible has to keep doing it. President—somebody who has no also described in the same re- reactions to her leaving and/or qualms about using all the powers port as “flattery.” Tribune add- staying in power beyond 2010 of her office—but I think some- ed that “Ramos’ body language (July 2). The psychics echoed the body has to stop her. And if we and actuations suggested that scenarios most often mentioned get to that point, I will do my part he was indeed thrilled over the in the news: the elections push- even if that may be myself,” David prospect of a Teodoro presi- ing through despite controversies, added. dency”, but offered no quotes Charter Change, Arroyo running to support this claim. as representative, etc. The reporter contradicted the point of her presentation and Legal context said, “Hindi na natin kailangan Cheers to the Philippine maging manghuhula pa para Daily Inquirer columnist malaman natin na lahat ng Joaquin Bernas for providing the nangyayari sa ating buhay at legal context of martial law. In sa ating bansa ay pinili natin at his “Sounding Board” column on LITO OCAMPO bunga ng ating mga desisyon… July 12 and 20, Bernas explained complex issue of global warm- dapat bantayan natin ang bawat kilos ng mga nasa pwesto ngay- the constitutional provisions and ing in terms of the average indi- LITO OCAMPO legal issues relevant to the martial vidual’s experience. For the first on (We don’t need fortune tellers law issue (“What is martial law?). episode, TEN showed how house- to know that we chose everything Context Amid widespread speculations wives can save 30-35 percent in that is happening in our lives and electrical and other expenses by in our country and these are the that President Gloria Macapagal CHEERS TO 24 Oras for reducing the household’s carbon results of our decisions...we need Bolante LITO OCAMPO Arroyo is planning to declare mar- providing context to a spot footprint (June 22). A household tial law, Bernas—a noted consti- report on a vehicular accident. can help reduce greenhouse gas Still on-target tutionalist and legal expert—also The July 21 “Alerto 24” report emissions by simply knowing the explained why the Supreme Court explained how police and rescue Cheers to the Philippine proper use of appliances, switch- allowed the declaration of martial workers should respond to an ac- Daily Inquirer for asking: ing from incandescent bulbs to law under Ferdinand Marcos and cident in relation to its story of a whatever happened to Joc-joc? fluorescent lights, and unplugging the possibilities of imposing it man who died allegedly after be- Last June 13, the Inquirer noted appliances that are not in use. again at present. n ing run over by a taxicab. that despite the Senate blue rib- TEN offered viewers recycling bon committee’s recommenda- tips from Payatas, a dumpsite area tion to prosecute former agricul- in Manila, in reducing their car- ture undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc- bon footprint (June 23). A land- to watch over the actions of those joc” Bolante and nine others for slide nine years ago in Payatas in power).” their involvement in the alleged killed more than 300 people when For the second part, the report P728-million fertilizer fund scam, a mountain of garbage collapsed discussed the psychics’ readings of he has neither been charged or on their homes. Now, its residents the chances of the possible presi- cleared of charges. are learning ways to properly dential candidates and focused on The Inquirer added that Bo- manage waste. good luck charms, which, it turns lante had announced his plans to The last report compared the out, most of them seem to believe Update on the peace run as governor or congressman carbon footprint of families in in (July 3). TEN did not reveal process in his home province of Capiz. the Philippines with that of other who these candidates are and left Quoting Senate blue ribbon com- Arroyo LITO OCAMPO countries (June 24). TEN said the viewers guessing as the psychics Cheers to MindaNews mittee chair Sen. Richard Gordon, Philippines is one of the countries enumerated their characteristics. for its piece on the new- the Inquirer also said that Bolan- with the lowest contributions of In closing, the reporter said est government initiatives to re- te would run for governor in the carbon emissions which trigger “Aminin na natin. Dismayado vive talks with the Moro Islamic province where “most of the fertil- global warming. It cited studies by man tayo sa nangyayari sa ating Liberation Front (MILF) and in izer funds ended up.” the United Nations and the envi- bansa, wala tayong dapat sisihin addressing various problems in ronmental group Greenpeace. But kundi ang ating mga sarili dahil Central Mindanao. Negotiations Editorializing even then, the report emphasized, tayo ang pumipili ng ating mga between the MILF and the gov- 56 million Filipinos and more lider. Kaya kung sawa ka na sa Jeers to The Daily Tri- could be affected by the continu- sistema, sa susunod na eleksyon, bune for editorializing in Going Green ing rise of the global surface tem- mag-isip ka at bumoto ng tama the news columns. perature. (Let’s admit it. We may be dis- In his keynote speech at the CHEERS TO TV5’s The mayed with what is happening in Baguio City Golf and Country Evening News (TEN) for a Supernatural idiocy our country, but we cannot blame Club on July 10, former Pres. three-day report which explained anyone except ourselves because Fidel Ramos described Defense what a carbon footprint is, its re- JEERS TO The Evening we chose our leaders. If you’re Sec. as “incom- lation to global warming, and the News (TEN) for using an un- tired of the system, next elections, parably competent”. On July 13, latter’s impact on the Philippines scientific and backward approach think and vote right).” Tribune noted that Ramos “titil- and its people (“Dokumentado: in a report on the chances of pos- To be fair, TEN is neither the lated…Teodoro with his psy-war ‘Carbon footprint’ ni Jade Lopez sible presidential candidates in first nor the only news program antics.” How Ramos’ description [Documented: ‘Carbon Footprint’ the 2010 elections. with a fascination for fortune tell- became part of psy-war antics or by Jade Lopez]”). The report “Dokumentado: ers. News programs from major exactly which war he was suppos- The segment, “Jade’s Planet: ‘Hulaan Blues’ ni Fiona Rozario networks ABS-CBN 2 and GMA-7 edly implicating, the article did The Green Series”, discussed the (Documented: ‘Forecast Blues’ by are also guilty of this tendency to HTTP://WWW.LUWARAN.COM  • JULY-AUGUST 2009 Cheers MONITOR Jeers ernment have been at a standstill GMANews.TV, a news website Reporting health crises: since Aug. 2008 after the stalled and a major competitor of Inquir- signing of the memorandum of er.net. The GMANews.TV report, agreement on ancestral domain. which contained the quotes from Hit-and-miss coverage In its July 16 report (“Peace Arroyo, was posted a day ear- n By Edsel Van DT. Dura with the MILF: From DDR to RRR lier than the Inquirer.net version to HELP-CM”), MindaNews re- (“No stopping Arroyo if she wants Much of the local media re- sion of classes in several schools, ported the creation of the Health, House seat, son says”). ports during the early weeks of and even the shutdown of the Education, Livelihood, Progress The Inquirer used the same the influenza A(H1N1) virus out- House of Representatives when Task Force-Central Mindanao Arroyo interview in its June 18 break consisted mostly of regular a staff member of that chamber (HELP-CM) under Administra- banner story (“Mikey may give news reports and update. who had contracted the virus tive Order 267. HELP-CM aims way to ma: If so, GMA son to run The online news media sites died, among others. to “forg(e) a peaceful, negotiated, for gov vs ‘Among’ Ed”). Although produced more reports compared Some information also came a final political settlement with the the paper cited “GMA News” as to television and print which ob- little too late. The GMANews.TV MILF”; “address concerns arising the source of the interview, read- Revilla viously had to work against space reports “Using masks may hike from continued hostilities”; “re- ers might have assumed that it HTTP//WWW.BONGREVILLA.MULTIPLY.COM and air time constraints. Online chances of swine flu infection” duce the impact of the conflict on was not GMANews.TV but the profiles and resumés of senators news organizations like abs- (June 15; http://www.gmanews. the communities”; and “pursu(e) news department of GMA-7. as well as government officials. cbnNEWS.com, GMANews.TV, tv/story/164972/Using-masks- ‘humanitarian offensives’ to ad- (GMA-7 is the parent company of At the end of the profiles and re- and Inquirer.net have compiled may-hike-chances-of-swine- dress the root causes of conflict.” GMANews.TV) that did the inter- sumes, Inquirer.net writes: “© these reports in their microsites flu-infection) and “A Primer Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo view. Copyright 2009 INQUIRER.net. (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/ on Swine Flu” (June 17; http:// list/swine%20flu; http://blogs. blogs.gmanews.tv/downwiththe- allotted P10 million for the task gmanews.tv/downwiththeflu/ flu/2009/06/17/a-primer-on- force. and; http://www.inquirer.net/ swine-flu/), for instance, were MindaNews also provided a specialreports/swinefluout- informative but were published brief background on current de- break/). only around a month and a half velopments in the MILF-GRP But in reporting new incidents, after A(H1N1) was first reported peace negotiations. some reports still described the in the local media. virus as “deadly” even as around Local news organizations have Attribution failure 95 percent of those confirmed to not been prepared in reporting have fallen ill from it recovered. health crises, as was evident dur- Jeers to Inquirer.net for Some reports warned the public ing the SARS and avian flu scare confusing readers on the that the virus could mutate into a several years ago. What’s needed source of an interview on which more virulent and possibly incur- are reporters with strong science they based a front-page news able strain, which health officials and medical backgrounds or re- said could be the “second wave” search capabilities who can spe- story. of the A(H1N1) pandemic. But cialize in reporting such events. Last June 18, the Inquirer.net they failed to mention that the vi- Research could have filled the reported the views of presiden- rus may also mutate into an even information gap even without tial son and Pampanga Rep. Juan milder form. such reporters. The media, for Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo on rumors In the June 29 Inquirer.net example, could have provided that Pres. Gloria Macapagal Ar- report titled “H1N1 can mutate stories with comparative statisti- royo is seeking his congressional into ‘milder’ strain” (http:// cal analysis on the deaths and re- seat in the 2010 elections (“Mikey www.inquirer.net/specialre- coveries to put the potential risks may give way to ma: Arroyo son ports/swinefluoutbreak/view. of A(H1N1) in better perspective. to run for gov vs Panlilio”). All rights reserved. This material php?db=1&article=20090629- The July 4 Inquirer.net ar- The report said that Arroyo Overseas Voters’ may not be published, broadcast, 213008), Yolanda Oliveros, di- ticle “50% of flu victims in their aired his views “in an interview Guide rewritten or redistributed.” rector of the National Center for teens, pre-teens” (http://www. yesterday, a day after his arrival It turns out that most, if not Disease Prevention and Control, inquirer.net/specialreports/ from a US visit.” Thus, it would Cheers to GMANews. all of the information contained said: “Based on worldwide data, swinefluoutbreak/view.php?db not be surprising if online readers TV for its online interac- in those articles came from either a virus needs at least 6 months to =1&article=20090704-213836) think that an Inquirer.net report- tive guide for overseas Filipinos the Senate website or the Office of a year before it can mutate. And could have been a notable effort er (or a reporter from its parent who want to register for the 2010 the President website. this mutation not exactly means to interpret data on A(H1N1) but that the virus will be more viru- did not discuss the topic any fur- company, the Philippine Daily national elections (http://www. No wonder some of the pro- lent in form, it can also be mild- ther. Eric Tayag, director of the Inquirer) had conducted the in- gmanews.tv/story/166436/How- files were skewed in favor of the er.” She added that vaccination DOH epidemiology center, was terview. overseas-Pinoys-can-register-to- subject. The profile on Sen. Lito However, it turns out that the vote-in-2010). The guide explains for seasonal flu may not - pre quoted in the report as saying Lapid, for example, says: “Despite that more severe cases may oc- interview had originated from the registration process for those vent A(H1N1), but will prevent the limitations in education and it from mutating. But the article cur when younger and older age working abroad, as well as sea- against the shroud of cynicisms failed to say how and why it will groups are affected. But the re- farers and those departing for (sic) on his capabilities, Senator entirely prevent or reduce muta- port did not say why teens were abroad. An overview of Republic Lapid proved himself to be… an tion since Yolanda was the only more susceptible to the virus Act No. 9189 (“The Overseas Ab- inspiring picture of hope for those source for the information. than young adults. sentee Voting Act of 2003”) is also whose lives he has touched. This was more or less the way The press was aggressive in available online (http://images. And from Sen. Ramon Revilla the media covered the A(H1N1) monitoring and reporting A(H1N1) gmanews.tv/pdf/oav.pdf). Jr.’s profile: “‘The true measure of a outbreak. Few of the many sto- cases. It may be one of the reasons man is not found in what he can do, ries generated offered new infor- why the Philippines has emerged as Non-attribution nor in what he intends to do, but in mation about the virus or cor- one of the countries with the most what he has done and in what he rected previous errors as well as number of confirmed A(H1N1) JEERS TO Inquirer.net for is doing.’ Never has one so young speculation. cases. Unfortunately much of the non-attribution of informa- achieved so much so soon!” This partly contributed to reports were not matched by the the public confusion which led explanatory articles that were tion which appears in national The Inquirer.net is the of- to misplaced fears over the real needed to provide the public an ac- government websites. ficial news website of its parent danger of A(H1N1) as evidenced curate sense of what the pandemic The Inquirer.net microsite company the Philippine Daily by news stories on the suspen- was all about. n Arroyo LITO OCAMPO “Inquirer Politics” published the Inquirer. n • JULY-AUGUST 2009 

‘Twas the season for

Cha-cha/SONA HTTP://WWW.PIA.GOV.PH n By Kathryn Roja G. Raymundo If its extensive coverage of Presi- While dent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s ninth State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the recurring issue of you were Charter Change (Cha-cha) is any gauge, the Philippine press has sleeping

no problem reporting the most Photos by LITO OCAMPO hile the rest of the change the Constitution in its as improving the lives of Filipinos recent events that are of public country was abed last entirety or in selected parts, and is concerned? How will Cha-cha WJune 2, the House of in various ways possible. And affect governance and the provi- concern. But it’s in the quality de- Representatives approved House yet, the press has failed to make sion and delivery of social ser- partment where the press often Resolution (HR) No. 1109, which the public understand the value vices? What are the specific pro- seeks to amend or revise the 1987 of this issue. visions, articles, and sections that suffers, with its excessive reliance Constitution through a constitu- As a result, the same old ques- will be or need to be amended or ent assembly (con-ass) without tions surfaced in the wake of HR deleted altogether? What new on sound bites, the focus on the the participation of the Senate. 1109—and most remain unan- provisions are likely to be added All Philippine presidents af- swered. Does the Constitution should the proponents of Cha-cha trivial, and the lack of context. ter former President Corazon really have to be amended? Is the succeed? Is there any connection “Cory” Aquino have tried to present Charter inadequate as far between the campaign to amend

 • JULY-AUGUST 2009

the Constitution and the forth- legitimacy of convening a con-ass coming 2010 elections? without the Senate, and the “plans” PJR Reports monitored three of Arroyo to stay in power after newspapers (Philippine Daily In- 2010 (declare Martial Law, extend quirer, , and her term of office, or be the prime Manila Bulletin), three primetime minister through a House seat). news programs (TV Patrol World, Sara Soliven de Guzman, who 24 Oras, and Teledyaryo), and se- writes the “As A Matter of Fact” lected online news sites from June column in the Star, reviewed past 1 to 15. Cha-cha efforts by the three admin- of con-ass, led by no other than istrations after Aquino (“Do we re- Transcript journalism the Speaker of the House, do not ally need a Con-Ass”, June 8). As usual, the daily coverage know better. In what could be de- Inquirer columnist Fr. Joa- depended almost entirely on the scribed as “transcript journalism”, quin Bernas, S.J. wrote in “Making statements and reactions of the the press did little to demand ex- sense of 1109” that “at best…1109 people and sectors immediately planations from government of- was a solemn proclamation that involved. The reports contributed ficials who insist on changing the the House of Representatives was little to providing new informa- Constitution now. For example, ready to defy the Constitution and tion to the discussion of the issues when asked what they plan to do push for revision of the Constitu- of Cha-cha. This was especially after passing the resolution, the thoughts on the resurrection of other possible motives for Cha- tion without the cooperation of evident in the coverage by televi- Star quoted Speaker Prospero Cha-cha in the House (June 12). cha. In a two-part series, Arnold the Senate.” He added that the sion news programs. Nograles as saying “I don’t know. Some respondents said let’s give Padilla wrote, “The political di- session on that Tuesday night was The news reports consisted I will consult the rules commit- Cha-cha a chance as it is “urgently mension of charter change has unclear and unsubstantial, and mostly of interviews with critics of tee and the (House) leadership on needed”, while others viewed it as dominated the national agenda. that it would be very difficult to Constitutional amendments, mem- what to do next. Perhaps when we a desperate move that is bound to But the constant driving force push for the congressional dream bers of the House who belong to the return in July, we can convene as fail. Some Star readers said the behind all the attempts since the of “Arroyo Forever”. (“Sounding opposition, and senators against, a con-ass. I don’t know.” (“GMA renewed campaign to amend the last decade to modify the Con- board”, June 8) administration allies pushing for it, House allies OK Senate-less con- Constitution is “an act of betrayal stitution has been the external In his Star column, “Postscript”, and the denials of Malacañang that ass”, June 3, Banner and “Con- of the people,” and urged every- pressure coming mainly from the Federico Pascual Jr. enumerated it’s behind the con-ass. ass: P20 M More ‘pork’ per con- one to be vigilant. WTO, the US, the EU and other five obstacles to con-ass which led The media organizations cov- gressman”, June 4, Banner) The new communication tech- rich countries to create the sort him to believe that it would most ered live the anti-Cha-cha/con- nologies have ushered in new of policy environment that will likely not prosper: the Senate, the ass rally in Makati last June 10. The concerns of the multitude ways of expressing criticism and allow globalization to fully thrive Supreme Court, the mass media, Both TV Patrol and 24 Oras had However, some news reports did thus provided more platforms for in the Philippines.” (http://www. the people, and the calendar. Pas- a segment (man-on-the-street refer to studies and surveys which dialogue and debate on the issue. bulatlat.com/main/2009/07/06/ cual discussed articles and sections interviews) which showed that show the near-universal opposi- Outside the monitor period of PJR apart-from-politics-pressure- in the Constitution that explain the some of the people who joined the tion to Cha-cha, whether through Reports, individuals and groups from-wto-us-eu-drives-charter- need for the Senate’s participation protest did not know what con- a people’s initiative, a constituent launched the “Blog Action Day vs change-bid/ and http://www. in convening the con-ass. He quot- ass or Cha-cha is (“Ilang sumali assembly, or a constitutional con- #conass” (http://www.blogger- bulatlat.com/main/2009/07/09/ ed Dean Artemio G. Tuquero of the sa rally sa Makati, umaming ‘di vention. Public opposition is ap- skapihan.com/2009/07/26/blog- us-wish-list-vs-philippine-con- MLQ (Manuel L. Quezon) School of naiintindihan ang con-ass [Some parently linked to perceptions that action-day-entries/). Users of so- stitution-drives-american-lobby- Law as saying, “The power to amend of the people who joined the rally amendments would allow Arroyo cial networking sites like Twitter, for-cha-cha/) the Constitution is vested in Con- in Makati, admitted they don’t to stay in power beyond the end of Facebook, and Plurk participated As in most other public issues, gress, not in either House thereof. understand con-ass]” and “Ano her term next year. in droves. (To access entries and it was the commentaries that pro- Hence, not even a unanimous vote of ang constituent assembly; alam Last June 3, TV Patrol reported updates, search #conass in both vided the much needed analyses, all the members of the House would kaya ng mga tao ang ibig sabihin the Pulse Asia nationwide survey on Twitter and Plurk. For Facebook, explications, and background. be enough to propose an amendment [What is constituent assembly; Cha-cha (Feb. 2 to 15, 2009; 1,200 type-in Pilipinas Kontra Conass The columns and editorials in the to, or revision of, the 1987 Constitu- do people know what it means]”). respondents) which said 42% are [http://www.facebook.com/pilipi broadsheets have to be credited for tion. The concurrence of the Senate, With the media’s he-said, she-said against Cha-cha and that 64% do naskontraconass?ref=nf]) discussing and holding on to the by a vote of three-fourths of all its type of reporting, should we even not think it appropriate to amend following issues: the P20-million members, is required to consider be surprised at this finding? the Constitution at this time. In-depth reports additional pork barrel fund alloca- such [a] proposal as an act of Con- If the public does not know The Star’s “Inbox World” Only the online alternative tions allegedly given to representa- gress” (“No need to panic on Cha-cha what’s happening, the supporters asked its readers to share their news site Bulatlat looked into the tives who will vote for HR 1109, the reso”, June 7). n Gloria’s ninth—and last?

or the State of the Nation erage was comprehensive. But become prime minister or extend Address (SONA) coverage, most news organizations found her term in any other way, and FPJR Reports monitored the address wanting and full of ask her House allies to withdraw three newspapers (Philippine half-truths. Others went further HR 1109 which seeks to convene a Daily Inquirer, The Philippine by saying in their opinion pages constitutional assembly to amend Star, and Manila Bulletin), three that every single achievement Ar- the Charter. At the least, the pub- news programs (TV Patrol World, royo claimed was a lie. Most of lic was expecting a categorical 24 Oras, and Teledyaryo), select the newspapers and the networks statement on whether or not she public affairs programs, the spe- interviewed administration allies will still push for Cha-cha before cials by ABS-CBN 2, ANC, GMA- who were saying otherwise. But as her term expires. 7, NBN-4, and various online the op-ed pages noted, the prob- The reports and commentar- sources from July 27 to 31. lem lies in Arroyo and her cabi- ies highlighted Arroyo’s ignoring Given the context in which net’s credibility. There is also the public opinion. Most news orga- the 2009 SONA, supposedly the clamor for Arroyo to categorically nizations pointed out that rather last for Pres. Gloria Macapagal say she will step down in 2010, than a report to the nation, the Arroyo, was delivered, the cov- deny she will seek a House seat to SONA was an attack on detractors • JULY-AUGUST 2009 

and a defense of the administra- cess in separate interviews. Most tion’s many controversial deci- The reports and echoed in detail the statistics sions. According to critical analy- mentioned by the President as ses, the SONA as many expected commentaries well as highlighted the positive ef- brought nothing new and became highlighted fects of her projects. The reactions just another opportunity for the reported by NBN-4 etc. after the President to grandstand rather Arroyo’s SONA were all favorable. than tell the people what the real The coverage was oblivious to state of the country is. Arroyo ignoring public the criticisms hurled against the maintained that “I did not become President, the controversies that president to be popular. To work, opinion hound her administration, and the to lead, to protect and preserve rallies outside the Batasang Pam- our country, our people, that is bansa (National Legislature). why I became president.” Professor of Public Administra- ABS-CBN 2 released the last tion Prospero E. de Vera was one Going online SONA of former President Cora- of the first to examine the SONA The news organizations are zon “Cory” Aquino in 1991 and 2009 speech—how much of its learning to use the new commu- compared it to the speech of Ar- claims were fact and how much nications technologies to their royo last July 27. It reported “dat- of it was fiction (“Beat the Odds: advantage. ing Pangulong Aquino, tiniyak Fact check”, http://popoy-devera. Credit should be given to noon sa taumbayan na bababa blogspot.com/2009/07/beat- GMANews.TV for being the first siya sa puwesto (former Presi- odds-fact-check-part-1html and to deliver live news feeds while dent Aquino assured the public http://popoy-devera.blogspot. providing a platform to dis- then that she would step down).” com/2009/07/beat-odds-fact- cuss and debate national issues. GMA-7 also aired a similar report, check-part-2html). GMANews.TV used Facebook “FVR at Cory, mas malinaw noon The Philippine Center for In- Connect, which used the Web 2.0 tungkol sa pagbaba sa pwesto vestigative Journalism (PCIJ) service allowing Facebook us- kaysa kay Pangulong Arroyo published last July 25 “The SO- ers to comment on a topic while [FVR and Cory declared they will NAs of Gloria”, a series on “the simultaneously watching a live step down unlike President Ar- failed promises, the statistical stream of the event. (http://www. royo] (July 28)” inconsistencies in government gmanews.tv/livestreaming) economic data, and by all indi- Internet users used the micro- Reviews and analyses cations, the illusory growth that blogging site Twitter to post news A week prior to the SONA, some nine years of the Arroyo Admin- stories, photos, comments, and news organizations had already re- istration would leave as a legacy links related to the SONA (search leased their own reviews and analy- to the Filipino people.” PCIJ com- #SONA to view posts). Twitter ses of the past eight years of the piled statements on various issues prominent personalities in the ph/index.php?option=com_cont also allowed direct communica- Arroyo administration. The press by organizations challenging the SONA had no connection with Ar- ent&task=view&id=6477&Itemid tion among the sources and con- discussed the highlights and un- administration’s programs and royo’s governance record. (“Per- =88889150, July 24) sumers of news. fulfilled promises of past SONAs. policies. PCIJ also published a sonalidad sa SONA [Personalities News organizations as well as Many individuals and media orga- scorecard for Arroyo by Dr. Ben- at the SONA]”, July 27) Government mouthpiece interested individuals and groups nizations also provided score cards jamin Diokno, former budget sec- PJR Reports observed that The government owned- and built various microsites about the for the President and fact-checked retary and currently a UP School fashion during the SONA has be- controlled-television and radio SONA. The Inquirer has “SONA her speech. Others provided back- of Economics professor, using her come a staple story every year. stations NBN-4, RPN-9, IBC-13, 2009: State of the Nation Ad- ground by reviewing issues and vision of governance “Beat the Who was wearing what is arguably and Radyo ng Bayan (Radio of dress,” which contains all articles scandals involving the President Odds” (B for balanced budget; E of human interest. But most of the the Nation) predictably served by the paper and its net version, and her husband. for education for all; A for auto- reports this year had a tendency as the President’s public relation a running account of the SONA, The Inquirer published a se- mated elections; T for transport to perpetuate stereotypes—e.g., agencies. and a feedback mechanism for ries of report called “9 Years of and digital infrastructure; T for the President is a woman, and The anchors and field report- readers and viewers (http://www. Arroyo: A review” written by dif- terminating NPA/MILF hostili- women are expected to dress up ers of these stations quirkily inquirer.net/specialreports/ ferent experts to examine the con- ties; H for healing the wounds of for special occasions. In most sto- called each other “Ka-SONA” and sona2009/). ABS-CBN 2 has ditions of the economy, peace and EDSA 1,2 and 3; E for electricity ries, the outfits of the men were greeted everyone “Happy SONA”. “SONA 2009” which includes sto- order, human rights, the justice and water for all; O for opportu- not a concern. Relegated to the The main point of their reportage ries, slideshows, a report card on system, education, health, and en- nity to create 10 million jobs; D sidelines were discussions on the was that the country is doing well Arroyo from 2001 to 2009, and vironment under the present gov- for decongest ; and lavishness of the designer gowns thanks to the efforts of the execu- other information available for ernment. The Inquirer also asked DS for develop Subic-Clark hub). and the jewelry that adorned the tive department. They also men- downloading (http://www.abs- its readers to grade the gover- Arroyo scored a conditional fail- women, whether members of tioned the need for the legislature cbnnews.com/sona2009). nance of Arroyo in terms of fight- ure. (http://www.pcij.org/blog/ Congress themselves or congres- to continue helping the President The government through the ing graft and corruption, reducing ?p=3859 and http://www.pcij. sional wives. (“Mga mambaba- achieve her goals. Everyone em- online site of the Office of the Presi- poverty, keeping peace and order, org/stories/2009/sona4.html). tas, nagpabonggahan ng kasuo- phasized that the economy and dent also provided texts and videos enforcing the law equally, and tan sa SONA [Lawmakers out-do unity are the thrusts of this gov- of the SONA (http://www.op.gov. delivering social services. Most Missed opportunities each other in SONA Fashion]”, TV ernment. Interviewed over NBN- ph/index.php?option=com_cont readers said she “has done little or While ABS-CBN 2, ANC, and Patrol, July 27; “SONA Fashion”, 4 and company, Senate President ent&task=blogsection&id=16&Ite none at all.” NBN-4 continued their special 24 Oras, July 27; @inquirerdot- and PLDT and mid=42). SunStar “SONA 2009” An independent development coverage and provided initial anal- net tweets, July 27) Smart Communications Chair coverage (http://www.ustream. institution, Ibon Foundation Inc., ysis after the President’s speech, But abs-cbnNEWS.com/ Manny Pangilinan even tagged tv/channel/sunstar-sona-cover- measured the performance of Ar- GMA-7 almost immediately went Newsbreak’s “GMA’s fashion Arroyo as the “best” president as age) and Presidential Broadcast royo against the goals she set for back to regular programming. legacy a ‘hit and miss’” had a dif- far as the economy is concerned. Staff Radio Television Malaca- the government in her first SONA 24 Oras reported “Pacquiao ferent perspective on the Presi- Other officials commended the ñang (http://rtvm.gov.ph/) pro- on July 23, 2001 (“SONA 2001 at iba pang natatanging Pili- dent’s fashion legacy. The article President for her strongly worded vided live streaming of the NBN-4 revisited: Performance against pino, binanggit ng pangulo sa claimed that “aside from her ‘hit speech while others said it was SONA coverage. targets”, July 26). Ibon found that kanyang SONA (the President ac- and miss’ fashion style, the de- just right for the President to fi- While the result was a flood of Arroyo failed to address such is- knowledged Pacquiao and other signers said Arroyo’s administra- nally answer her critics. information, what still mattered sues as poverty, unemployment, notable Filipinos in her SONA).” tion has also failed to support the Almost all cabinet secretaries was its relevance and accuracy: debt service, high prices and low The news did not explain that Filipino fashion industry in terms from the environment depart- areas in which the record of gov- wages, etc. these people were used by Arroyo of funding, support, and promo- ment to economic planning talked ernment media has not been first, University of the Philippines as human props. The presence of tions.” (http://newsbreak.com. about this administration’s suc- or even second-rate. n 10 • JULY-AUGUST 2009

The right questions What benefit did the country gain from Mrs. Arroyo’s trips? Gloria Arroyo, The most frequent answers, based on media reports, were foreign aid, investments and job creation. During the Japan- Los Angeles-Colombia-Brazil- Traveling Dubai-Hong Kong excursion from June 17 to June 27, TV Pa- Gloria Arroyo has been trol and 24 Oras reported Mrs. Arroyo’s supposed agenda in the described as “peripatetic”, Middle East: to generate jobs and additional incomefor Filipi- “nomadic”, “most traveled”, no overseas workers. In print as well as broadcast, reporting on and “jetsetting” the president’s activities in other countries was so superficial to the point of irrelevance. Arroyo also made an unsched- uled stopover in Recife, Colombia, an offshore banking haven like n By Alaysa Tagumpay E. Escandor Switzerland. These unscheduled trips are not unusual for the First lobe-trotting is something many have Couple. The most infamous was dreamed of, but only a lucky few can afford to that to Hainan, China where the couple allegedly witnessed the do so. There is more than a slight incongruity signing of the anomalous $329- in the fact that the president of a poor coun- billion NBN-ZTE deal. Yet, the try can boast of making more than 50 trips media failed to ask why Mrs. Ar- Gacross all continents except Africa and Antarctica in the royo made that unannounced visit eight years she’s been in power. And she did so with pomp, to Colombia. always flying on a chartered plane with a full delegation Thus far, the trip that has re- Gloria and MARCELINO PASCUA/OPS-NIB No. of ceived the most coverage was Ar- that sometimes includes wives, husbands, and children. times royo’s July trip to meet US Pres. visited Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has opinion columns and editorials get allocated for the Office of the Countries visited Barrack Obama. That meeting been described as “peripatetic”, in the Inquirer have pointed out. President. He also revealed that by Gloria Arroyo was the headline in the national “nomadic”, “most traveled”, and News articles in the Inquirer, Star the original budget for travel in dailies, which cited as a major “jetsetting”. The reports of Phil- and Tribune also called atten- 2007 was P300.2 million, but United States 10 outcome the appointment of the ippine Daily Inquirer, Manila tion to the consistently huge del- later ballooned to P693 million. China 7 Philippines as chief coordinator Bulletin, The Philippine Star, The egation that accompanied Arroyo, Meanwhile, in 2008, the budget Japan 7 for the US in the Alliance of South Daily Tribune, ABS-CBN 2 and ranging from 74 congressmen in for travel increased to P408.6 Malaysia 6 East Asian Nations. What the de- GMA-7 on Arroyo’s travels were June last year to 59 in the same million, and in 2009, to P436 Brunei 4 mands of the designation were, or monitored from July 1 to August month this year. million. The reports, however, Bahrain 3 whether such a designation actu- 14. The press was able to cover What should have been rou- did not mention the incongru- Hong Kong 3 ally existed and since when, the Arroyo’s foreign–and local–trips, tine to media was not. For the ity of this allocation in light of Italy 3 media failed to ask. keeping track of her travels’ des- most part, the press failed to pro- the limited budget for social ser- Mexico 2 Everything the Philippine head tinations (see table). What was vide the information that could vices. Thailand 2 of state does abroad is in fact fair missing was sufficient explana- have enabled the public to fully This crucial information on United Kingdom 2 game for the media. Mrs. Arroyo tion on the nature, agenda and appreciate the impact of Arroyo’s expenses and budget allocation Australia 1 and retinue’s $20,000 dinner at the public benefit, if any, of those travels on the country and its for- might have been completely Brazil 1 Le Cirque and $15,000 dinner at trips. eign relations. missed by media, if not for Es- Cambodia 1 Bobby Van’s Steakhouse are thus But is inclusion in Arroyo’s cudero’s disclosure. Although Chile 1 legitimate news report subjects. Lazy reporting retinue when she travels a form public documents were available Colombia 1 Although the Philippine media Dubai 1 Travels that were more plea- of political payback? The media for scrutiny, the media failed to were dependent on foreign media Egypt 1 sure–or political payback–than could have noted how those who seek out the data that could have for information on these meals, France 1 business are common in Philip- travel with her have voted on key given the public the information local reports were on the mark as India 1 pine history. Official junkets go issues, particularly those where it needs to evaluate the value they pointed to the disparity be- Indonesia 1 back to the Commonwealth era, the President has a large stake, to the country of Mrs. Arroyo’s tween the president’s penchant Kuwait 1 reaching the height of notoriety such as the impeachment case travels. for ostentation and the national Macau 1 during the Martial Law period and House Resolution 1109. There is also a common ten- reality in which between two to New Zealand 1 when then President Ferdinand Moreover, the actual expens- dency in the media to report with- 3.7 million families regularly ex- Peru 1 Marcos and First Lady Imelda es on foreign trips can be re- out question or investigation the perience hunger. Qatar 1 traveled and partied across coun- vealed and “audited as they are statements of officials. For the During the “pre-war years, Russia 1 tries with unhampered profligacy. covered by public documents”, most part, the media relied on the junkets were condemned in Saudi Arabia 1 The country learned that, citing Press Sec. Cerge Remonde said the statements of Malacañang au- the press as too large but those Singapore 1 national interest, heads of state in an interview with GMANews. pale in comparison to the pres- thorities for information on Mrs. Spain 1 made foreign travels whose agen- TV on June 22. It was not until ent”, stated an Inquirer editorial. Arroyo’s travels. Switzerland 1 da were actually farthest from na- June 26, however, that reports (“Most Useless Junket,” June 21, Journalists need a healthy dose Syria 1 tional interest. It was during one on the total expenses of Arroyo’s 2008). Indeed, new accounts on of skepticism, and the activities United Arab Emirates 1 of these trips, for instance, that trips first found their way to profligacy have been written in of national government especially Vatican City 1 some of Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth print and broadcast media, in should not be exempt from the Arroyo’s term. was deposited to Swiss banks and large part because of Sen. Fran- same scrutiny. The reality of the Reference: Maui Hermitanio (July But while the media are the invested in real-estate properties cis Escudero, who revealed that 31, 2009). The Jetsetting President. supposed watchdogs of govern- Philippine political arena is that, to http://www.thepoc.net/index.php/ in New York. Arroyo’s total travel costs since put it politely, those in power tend Politi-Ko/Politiko-Features/The-jet- ment, they have failed to inspire The same profligacy has char- 2001 have reached P3 billion, to cover, embellish, and deodorize setting-president-Part-1-of-2.html. the public to demand accountabil- acterized Arroyo’s trips, as several thus exceeding the travel bud- what they and their allies do. Accessed August 14. ity of the Palace. n • JULY-AUGUST 2009 11 n By Melinda Quintos de Jesus

eavy rains fell in the early morn- After Years, ing of June 20 25 as “Fe- Hria” continued to blow its strength through South- A Recess for the JVOAEJ ern Luzon. For many years past, I had set that date on The Awards have helped encourage the growth the calendar for the hold- ing of the Jaime V. Ongpin of investigative journalism, but it’s time for a Awards for Excellence in Journalism (JVOAEJ). It reassessment simplified planning from year to year. June was the birthday month of the man the program honors. In organizing a public event, there is no way to predict the ing them how the job is done. fixed on the personalities on stage. weather. Doing everything in- An open forum allows for in- Some students attend because doors saves a bit on the worry. teraction with students or others their teacher decides it is how But attendance that will fill up in the audience. Favorite ques- they will have a class for that day. the SGV Hall, our usual venue in tions: Have you received death But most everyone who attends the AIM Conference Center, also threats? Have you been offered finds the close view of members comes with good weather. bribes? The seminar has made the of the press a memorable learn- I had long ceased to be ner- awards program a unique event ing experience. Some teachers call vous about holding the program. that connects jour- to ask for more seats, if possible; The staff had taken over the wor- nalists and the and there are faculty members in rying over details and had grown public. The in- Mass Communication programs very good at making sure we had teraction has who make this a regular event, us- everything and everyone in place. always made ing the experience as material for But that morning, I felt a twinge a good show. I further discussion. of panic. This program was a mile- noted the young The seminar presented the fu- stone. A small audience would f a c e s ture generation of reporters put a damper on the celebration. There is no way anyone can cover munity, teachers have called in as about how they decided on the up an empty hall. soon as they received their invita- subject of their competing The early comers trickled in tions to make their reservations article, the problems they slowly. By 9:30, which our invita- for their class. In one year when encountered in writing the tion and printed program set as the budget allowed it, the program story, the different instru- the hour to begin, there were only had over 700 guests and crowd ments of research and in- around twenty people in the hall, management was a problem. vestigation which expanded apart from the staff. At 9:45, only This seminar, which is the their search for data and in- three tables were filled. Members first part of the morning’s- pro formation. Did editors help them of the media are notorious late- gram, had served as an outreach through their difficulties? Some comers. Most years we have had activity, linking the practice to the did. These were given assign- to wait for enough of the journal- principle taught in classrooms, ments. But often enough, the re- ists to stagger in for their places on connecting those working in the porters were working solo. In the the panel. This year, five out the newsrooms with those who might course of this exchange, the work- six panelists were on time. But we one day join them in the field. ing journalists introduce the stu- could not begin with such a small The panel discussion engaged dents to the real life of journalism, audience. I made the decision to selected finalists in a moderated moving their understanding from wait and announced we would conversation and they talked text books to actual tasks, show- start in ten minutes. The room was half-filled when we started at 10:00 AM. In the next half-hour, most of the tables were taken and when we ended the seminar, we had the usual full house to hear and cheer the announcement of the winners of 2008.

Loyal following of schools Through the years, the Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Seminar Program had won the loyalty of faculty and students from univer- sities and colleges in and around Metro Manila. Since 1995 when The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) first Maribel Ongpin, widow of Jaime and board member of the Center for Media opened the seminar to this com- 1995 Awards Freedom and Rsponsibility CMFR FILE 12 • JULY-AUGUST 2009

in touch with the “best and the of press freedom in the Philip- brightest” in the field, showing WINNERS ALL pines by showing what good jour- them role models who are not on nalism can do as a “watchdog” of camera or made celebrities be- those in power. It has given the cause of their exposure on radio or incentive for journalists to take television. These are the unsung, the time from the daily grind and unknown “heroes” who work be- undertake painstaking examina- hind the scenes. The names may tion and investigation that leads be known to some, but only if they to greater public scrutiny of the still read newspapers. But listen- conduct of those holding public ing to them talk about their work, office. In-depth reports, explana- the student gets the feel of the tory or investigative, also help the challenge and sees the world of public understand the issues and journalism beyond the textbook. controversies reflected in current Fritz Dacpano, who attended the events. seminar as a student of the Ma- Che-Che Lazaro emcees the Awards After 20 years, more space is nila Times School of Journalism A unique selection process given to articles that break away became a third-prize winner in The JVO takes more time than from the routine of regular beats, 2006. She said, the working jour- other awards programs. An au- from the recording of official state- 2003 Awards nalists in the panel she attended tonomous scan started a three ments, from the churning of “he- inspired her. tier process of judging, a gather- said, she-said” reports, from the ing of articles based on minimum deadly sameness of accounts of in- A small and quiet ceremony requirements of length and publi- cidents, accidents, calamities that The program was initially de- cation. When the numbers of ar- make it as news in many newspa- signed as a small and quiet cer- ticles increased, CMFR recruited pers. From some 50 articles found emony, “short and sweet” as I a team of journalism majors from by the scan in the early nineties, would say to describe it. As a liv- the University of the Philippines there are now over a thousand re- ing memorial for the late Jaime V. who would do this starting in viewed by the screeners who pass Ongpin, the awards were first giv- October. A screening commit- on over 100 articles to the board en in the evening with a program tee takes over and selects what it of judges for final selection. that followed a cocktail reception. thinks can be considered for final So there is more grist for the We did invite the press, but we selection. A Board of Judges takes mill. What about the quality of the really counted on the friends and over to rank the finalists for first, grain? family of Jimmy and Maribel second, and third prizes. The pro- Clearly, the increase in quan- Ongpin and the friends and some cess is completed only sometime tity of in-depth reports in itself family members of the journalists in early May. indicates a significant shift in the who were named as finalists. The In short, the selection does journalistic scope, with journal- chairman of the board of judges, not depend on self-nomination or ists breaking through the surface among them, then Chief Justice submission by journalists. of the news, and moving the task Andres Narvasa, Teodoro Be- While the independent selec- 1997 of reporting beyond the answers nigno, and Dean Feliciano, would tion takes more time and money, scanning as possible. In the Phil- providing part and full time work to basic questions of who, the say a few words about the selec- it has also given the awards an ippines, however, deadlines for to the running of the program, or- what and the where of events, to tion process. Brief remarks from a unusual patina of honor because submission are problematic for ganizing the systems for scanning, examine the how and why of de- friend, usually a trustee of the now it does not involve self-presenta- a community that works by the screening and judges’ meetings, velopments. defunct Jaime V. Ongpin Institute tion. deadline. And having to deal with and holding the event itself. With- The quality of output as shown of Business and Government, con- I did not discount the valid- late submissions creates its own out other institutional overhead by the winning articles shows off cluded the program with the rep- ity of the process of self-nomina- nightmares for the staff who have expenses, these costs amounted the skills for tracking complex resentation of the awards’ main tion. The Pulitzer Prize involves to check these against the scan re- to an estimated P1.4 million. issues, isolating the crucially rel- sponsor for the first 10 years. the submission of articles by news sults. This invitation to nominate The program involved a evant facts that make up a pat- After operating as an NGO organizations and is no less hon- has received negative reactions continuing search for funding. tern of corruption or identifying which tried to establish programs orable for this. CMFR has made from some members of the press, CMFR has been favored by sev- the missing link or the “smoking for government and business it a practice to send out letters who expressed their distaste for eral funders with commitments gun”. Tracing documentary evi- sector interaction, The JVOIBG inviting publishers and editors to the act of self-nomination. for two-year support. These in- dence and validating testimony turned over the program to the nominate the articles they think clude the Ford Foundation in are not the only journalistic tasks. Ateneo de Manila University. The should be considered for the JVO A costly process 2001-2003, the Asia Foundation One must also weave a compelling ADMU continues to support the awards, partly to engage them as The costs added up, includ- in 2004-2007, the Royal Ministry story. The yield of winning stories awards with a fund to sustain the well as to assure as complete a ing six months of staff personnel, of Foreign Affairs Government of is impressive in demonstrating institutional expenses required to Norway in 2007, and for the last the talent and dedication of Filipi- run the program. But for almost two years, the Open Society In- no journalists. But those produc- 10 years as the program grew, stitute. There was one year when ing these consistently outstanding CMFR has had to raise a greater CMFR gave away almost one mil- reports remain a small and exclu- amount of the money for program lion pesos in award money. sive circle. To make room for oth- costs. The financial crisis forced all ers to compete and be recognized, As the program grew, a large funders to review the objectives CMFR elevated frequent winners audience followed the seminar. of their support. The global fi- to a “Hall of Fame” which cuts The program also attracted the at- nancial crunch has not spared the them out from further competi- tention of the Canadian Embassy JVOAEJ. tion. and in 1997, the JVO awards an- The awards program cannot in nounced the first Marshall McLu- Why a recess? itself raise standards of practice. han Prize, a travel study tour of After 20, perhaps, we in CMFR Only the best news rooms can do Canada arranged by the embassy also needed to re-examine what this. Editorial guidance and men- for the top winner of the first has served as one of the Center’s toring remain the all-important prize. In 2003, the first Austra- three flagship programs and its aspects in the production of world lian Ambassador’s Award, a travel objectives. The program has bal- class journalism. Cash awards and grant to Australia, was added to anced the critique of the media the prestige of the prize can only the winnings of the winner of the monitor. It has justified the con- do so much. The culture of excel- explanatory category. 1999 tinuing protection and promotion lence can only be developed from • JULY-AUGUST 2009 13

The Embassy of Canada an- nounced that the Marshall McLu- han Prize, a travel study tour of Canada, will go to Diosa Labiste. This is the 13th year that the Em- bassy of Canada has awarded the Marshall McLuhan Prize in the JVOAEJ. The first JVOAEJ was launched in 1990 to honor the late Jaime V. Ongpin who was secretary of finance during the Aquino admin- istration. A press freedom advo- cate, Ongpin was involved in the struggle against the Marcos dic- tatorship and was instrumental in harnessing public support for the restoration of democracy. The JVOAEJ this year was sponsored by the Open Society 2001 winners Foundation Media Program and within the practice as it is nurtured simply not been ranked as news- 20th JVOAEJ Ateneo de Manila University. ultimately by the readers and us- worthy. Television has given more ers of the news. In that sense, the attention to the achievements of The finalists in this year’s JVO Awards are probably a bit those working in print, than those JVOAEJ awards were: Winners • Political Killings not Official ahead of the times. We had hoped in the print media. to prod editors and newspaper Making news of journalism but an Unintended Policy’ owners to agree to invest in the awards reflects the value given to By Nikko Dizon, Jocelyn R. Uy process, commit resources for the the recognition of excellence and announced and Leila B. Salaverria research and the time-consuming the need to keep striving for it. I he Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism editor: Fernando del Mundo editorial supervision that in-depth wonder then if this “snubbing” of th philippine Daily Inquirer reports require. the awards reflects some funda- (PCIJ) and VERA Files won the top prizes in the 20 May 9-12, 2008 After some years of reading mental flaw that is shared by the Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism T • US Subprime Crisis: Why We award-winning articles for the press with the rest of Philippine (JVOAEJ) for works published in 2008. Ongpin prize, Luis V. Teodoro, a society. Should Worry senior journalist who served two It would be different, I guess, The results of the competition of the Australian Ambassador’s By Des Ferriols terms as dean of the UP College of if the awards organizer was an as- were announced during the an- Award. the Philippine Star Mass Communication, noted cer- sociation of news organizations nual JVOAEJ ceremonies at the The following articles each october 11-14, 2008 tain gaps in the craft of reporting. or journalists. But a previous of- AIM Conference Center Manila won a plaque of merit and a cash “There’s no question that many ficer of a funding organization on June 25. The Center for Me- prize of P25,000: • The Many Faces of Bribery practitioners have the form down which had supported the awards dia Freedom and Responsibility • A Policy of Betrayal By Aries Rufo pat. But only a few articles can organized by the national associa- (CMFR) has been the administra- By Miriam Grace Go abs-cbnNEWS.com/News- rank with those written by, same, tion of editors and publishers, the tive and technical secretariat of abs-cbnNEWS.com/News- break New Yorker writers. The craft Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the JVOAEJ since 1990. break published in The Philippine part needs attention, too.” had noted the same scant atten- The JVOAEJ scanned the print published in The Philippine Star on September 11-13, tion given by other newspapers to media for investigative and ex- Star on March 15-17, 2008 2008 Other lessons learned the winners from the community planatory articles published in The experience of the program press. I concluded he was expect- 2008, and then focused on the • Squatters and the City All the finalists received has sharpened the impression of ing some interest in Metro Manila urgent issues of governance and By Cherry Ann T. Lim and a plaque and a cash prize of a fractious press community, di- newspapers. corruption, human rights, and the Rene H. Martel P10,000. vided by ideological and political environment to encourage report- editor: Cherry Ann T. Lim This year, the JVOAEJ also lines as well as opposing profes- Recess-ing the program ing on these urgent issues. This sun.Star Cebu gave out two plaques of special sional values. Sometimes, insti- In the end, the recess is im- year a fourth theme was added: august 11-14, 2008 mention to the Philippine Daily tutional and individual hostilities posed by the difficulty of sourcing the financial and economic crisis. Inquirer for “The NBN-ZTE con- break down the esprit d’corps of a continuing fund. Without some “Aid inflow sparks scandals • Less Than 10 People in Plot; troversy report” published on those holding shared ideas and kind of long-term commitment, for GMA, debt woes for RP” by 5 Core, 5 Others ‘In the January 30-31, February 8 and ideals. funding is difficult to do from year Roel Landingin of the PCIJ (pub- Know’ 11, May 14 and November 23, Perhaps, because of the rela- to year because the cycle of the lished in BusinessWorld and The By Fe Zamora 2008 and Newsbreak for “The tively small market for news prod- program activities needs to begin Philippine Star on February 11- philippine Daily Inquirer big dig” published July/Septem- ucts, the sense of rivalry and com- at a certain time or it cannot hap- 13, 2008 and in on Feb- august 21-27, 2008 ber 2008. n petition more easily dominates pen. Funding priorities have not ruary 11-14, 2008) and the VERA and overcomes the impulse to cel- included incentives and awards Files article “Quedancor swine ebrate the triumph of one’s peers. for working journalists. And in the program another fertilizer scam” I must admit to the disappoint- larger scheme of things and given by Diosa Labiste, Luz Rimban and ment of announcing an award the range of challenges of media Yvonne Chua (published in the and have no one representing the development in general, this is BusinessMirror on September person or the news organization perfectly understandable. 2 and 4, 2008, Malaya and The to accept the honor. Few editors But it is a recess, not an end. It Manila Times on September 1- and publishers have graced the is important to celebrate achieve- 3, 2008 and Philippines Graphic program when their articles are ments. It is important to encour- on September 15, 22 and 29, not competitive. age journalists to take on the 2008) were judged the best re- The program has received only more difficult assignments and to ports of 2008. Each received a the most perfunctory coverage accept the challenge of “digging plaque of distinction and a cash from newspapers, unless some- out the truth”. prize of P70,000. Roel Landingin one in the organization has been But for now, I am perfectly at was also a top prize winner in last cited. The story about the best sto- peace with the decision to give year’s JVOAEJ and was the winner ries in Philippine journalism has this program a rest. n 14 • JULY-AUGUST 2009 A DEATH LIKE NO OTHER From page 1 only showed opposition to Charter Change but disapproval as well of Arroyo. News and photos of Aquino in life as well as in death packed the The press newspaper pages, while the broad- cast press aired countless reports mirrored public and specials about her. The elec- tronic press also devoted micro- sentiment by sites and running accounts related to Aquino’s passing last Aug. 1, and paying tribute bloggers outdid each other in their grief. and expressing In a mirror of public sentiment, most of the media organizations of the Marcos dictatorship through gratitude to paid tribute and expressed their People Power 1 in 1986, but also gratitude to Aquino, who not only continued to oppose abuse of power Aquino helped restore democratic institu- and all attempts to curtail the hard- tions and freedoms after the ouster won freedoms the 1987 Constitu- tion—one of her outstanding lega- cies—guarantees Filipinos. In a show of unity with the Fili- pino people, the major news and media organizations adorned their pages or TV channel screens with yellow ribbons, and aired special coverage of the wake and funeral of the former president. For several days after her death, the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquir- er—itself a 1980s product of the anti-dictatorship resistance—had a yellow tint. ABS-CBN 2 also aired Two children of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Maria Imelda “Imee” a special with several of its news Marcos and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., visit Aquino’s wake. anchors and reporters wearing yel- TV (“Highlights of Cory Aquino’s #comments) provided the public low ribbons and saying a prayer for life”, http://blogs.gmanews.tv/co- useful snapshots of key events in Aquino. ryaquino/2009/07/highlights-of- Aquino’s life. cory-aquino%E2%80%99s-life/ The Philippine Center for Inves- Her life and legacy tigative Journalism (PCIJ) referred In print, pro- readers to an interview it did with vided in an Aug. 2 special a sketch of Aquino on the 20th anniversary of Aquino’s life, including her struggles People Power 1 in 2006. Aquino during the Marcos dictatorship, her had discussed many issues, includ- presidency, and her political activi- ing her term as president. (“Cora- ties after her term (“The widow in zon C. Aquino, 76: Democracy her yellow: The life and times of Cora- Legacy”, http://www.pcij.org/blog/ zon Cojuangco Aquino”, p. B6-B7). ?p=3942) The Times also included a list of her GMANews.TV posted a tran- awards and achievements. script of selected sound bites from Timelines like those of abs-cbn- one of Aquino’s last full-length in- NEWS.com/Newsbreak (“Timeline: terviews. In an interview with Jes- Events in the life of Cory Aquino, sica Soho, she discussed her admin- http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/fea- istration’s record, her thoughts on tures/07/21/09/timeline-events- Ninoy, and her medical condition. life-cory-aquino; http://newsbreak. (http://blogs.gmanews.tv/cory- com.ph/index.php?option=com_c aquino/archives/transcript-of-last- ontent&task=view&id=6456&Item interview-with-cory-aquino) The id=88889476&ed=44; The Philip- site also did a “livestream” cover- pine Star, Aug. 2) and GMANews. age of the funeral procession and • JULY-AUGUST 2009 15

allowed members of the social net- working site Facebook to comment and interact with each other. In an Aug. 4 report, GMA News Lapses Research enumerated the most or all its thoroughness, some lapses in the coverage of Aquino’s death significant decisions of the Aquino did occur. One major lapse was the media’s mix-up of the names Aquino leadership including the pardon of and Arroyo. A number of reports said Arroyo for Aquino, as in “the re- political detainees, peace efforts F mains of President Arroyo will be open to public viewing tomorrow.” with rebels, the search for the ill- gotten wealth of the Marcoses, the Some print and broadcast reports abolition of the death penalty, and were actually caught saying it was Arroyo the 1987 Constitution. (“Cory: bear- who had died, not Aquino. One egregious er of democracy, peacemaker, com- example: the Manila Bulletin’s Aug. 5 passionate leader”, http://www. caption for a photo of Aquino’s coffin: gmanews.tv/story/168990/Cory— “WITH UTMOST CARE. Military honor bearer-of-democracy-peacemaker- guard carefully moves the coffin of Presi- compassionate-leader) dent Arroyo out of the Manila Cathedral.” In its Aug. 3 banner, Business- Aside from the fact that there were at World, apart from providing general least eight police officers, not soldiers, details surrounding Aquino’s pass- carrying the coffin, the coffin was, of ing, focused on an aspect relatively Aquino’s death: Round-the-clock coverage Photos by LITO OCAMPO course, Aquino’s and not Arroyo’s. underreported in other papers: the Newsbreak also committed a similar economic legacy of the Aquino ad- Aquino’s funeral procession, he booboo, when it referred to “Aquino” as ministration (“A nation mourns”). added, were grieving while at the “Arroyo” several times. The writer, Lala Among the programs cited were the same time expressing their grati- Rimando, later apologized. “I’m guilty. ily, particularly TV ratings-draw Kris, sup- liberalization of foreign exchange, tude to “Tita” Cory for restoring I killed our president. I wrote an online porters, government officials, and the the build-operate-transfer law, the Philippine democratic institutions, story about the passing of a former presi- usual pundits whose voices and faces the agrarian reform program, and wage and resisting efforts to restore au- dent but inadvertently referred to the networks mercilessly inflicted on view- policy reforms. thoritarian rule. current one who’s still very much alive in ers for hours on end—on their thoughts In his “No Free Lunch” column at As the press reported the Aqui- portions of the story.” The apology, how- about Aquino. the Inquirer, former socioeconomic no family’s preference for a private ever, did go on and on and didn’t seem Some TV reports merely described planning secretary Cielito Habito rather than state funeral for the for- to know where a seemingly professional the Marcoses and Aquinos as political argued that one major economic mer president, TV5’s TEN last Aug. recognition of responsibility ends and rivals. However, many Filipinos, includ- legacy of the Aquino administration 3 explained to viewers the difference plain self-indulgence begins. ing the Aquino family, believe that the was its implementation of “some of between a state funeral and a private The Inquirer showed how it’s done. Marcoses and their allies were behind the most crucial but also the most one. Aquino was the first president to Correcting its Aug. 11 banner, it wrote Ninoy’s assassination in 1983, which unpopular reforms for the economy, decline a state funeral, TEN added, Aug. 13: “In the Aug. 11 issue, the front- makes the relationship between the two to which we owe the much-extolled while Ferdinand Marcos—whose re- page banner story—‘Palace won’t say families more than one of “rivalry”. Ap- resilience of our economy today.” mains are currently inside a refriger- sorry’—carried an erroneous sentence: parently, a reviewing of more recent his- (“Tita Cory’s economic legacy” Aug. ated crypt in his hometown province ‘Had Ms Aquino wanted a simple dinner, tory—meaning from the 1970s onwards— 10, p. B2) Habito served as deputy of —is still awaiting one. she should have chosen a simple restau- was needed, but wasn’t forthcoming. director-general of the National Reporters flock to Pinky Abellada, GMA News Research discussed the rant, Cruz added.’ Archbishop Oscar Cruz Economic Development Authority one of Aquino’s daughters, for an protocols observed when a former was referring to President Macapagal-Ar- Coverage a la martial law under Aquino. interview. president dies. (“Protocols observed royo—not the late former President Cory But fuzzy historical memory alone BusinessMirror provided a his- from the Cathedral to the Manila when a Philippine president passes Aquino.” End of correction. can’t account for the gross inadequacies torical perspective on, and an anal- Memorial Park, and the patriotic away”, http://www.gmanews.tv/ Several media gaffes involved pla- of government TV reporting. ysis of, Aquino’s economic legacy. songs, among them the iconic Bay- story/168802/Protocols-observed- giarism. Philippines Graphic magazine Aquino’s passing and the events Aquino’s ascension to the presiden- an Ko, sung in both events. when-a-Philippine-president-passes- apologized for a timeline on Aquino’s ill- subsequent to it, such as the huge cy resulted in the restoration of na- Only a few reported that de- away) ness, death and funeral which turned out crowds in the streets during the transfer tional and international confidence spite these similarities, the two to have been lifted from abs-cbnNEWS. of her remains to the Manila Cathedral, on the country’s government and events differed on a number of ma- Tributes and personal accounts com but which its August 10-16 issue were the biggest stories in the first week economy, according to contributor jor points. For example, a 24 Oras Among the dozens of tributes did not acknowledge. Freelancer Angela of August. But government-run NBN-4 Val Araneta, a member of the Fi- reporter pointed out last Aug. 5 and personal accounts about Aqui- Stuart Santiago has accused ABS-CBN didn’t seem to notice or care, prompting nancial Executives Institute of the that although many people were in no were those of journalists such as 2 anchor Karen Davila of making free the Inquirer to correctly observe that the Philippines. (“An economic legacy both events, the mood was angry Sheila Coronel, Malou Mangahas, use—again without acknowledgement— government media’s attitude was remi- from President Cory Aquino”, Aug. during Ninoy’s time. The people David Celdran, Chit Estella, and of segments from her book Himagsikan niscent of martial law. NBN’s coverage 5 p. B8) who lined the streets during Cory Melinda Quintos de Jesus. n sa EDSA (Revolt at EDSA, 2000) in the holds true to form in the government sta- ABS-CBN special “Laban ni Cory” (Cory’s tions’ practice to cover only what’s favor- Differences and similarities Fight). Ironically, a third case involves able to the incumbent administration. In addition to reporting on the abs-cbnNEWS.com. A comprehensive, While the major networks were covering details of the wake and funeral, four-part report by the website on Aqui- live the progress of the Aquino cortege to some news anchors and reporters no’s life and times (http://coryaquino. the Manila Cathedral on Aug. 3, NBN was pointed out the seeming similarities abs-cbnnews.com) turned out to have airing, among others, a musical program between Cory Aquino’s funeral and been lifted, without any acknowledg- and a public affairs program replaying Ninoy’s. The similarities, they not- ment, from Corazon Aquino’s official President Macapagal Arroyo’s July 27 ed, included the high number—in website (http://www.coryaquino.ph). State of the Nation Address. the tens of thousands of onlookers Most of the news and public affairs Last Aug. 3, Express Balita did report and mourners, the routes taken in programs, meanwhile, failed to consult something related: that Aquino support- both processions, the dominance less predictable human sources to beef ed the presidents who succeeded her. It of the color yellow among the men, up their coverage. They could have inter- then showed Aquino with Arroyo when women and even children who viewed former Aquino officials to discuss they were still political allies. Express paid their last respects to the for- her term and legacy as president as well Balita, a government-controlled station, mer president in the various ven- as their difficulties in running a govern- conveniently failed to mention that since ues available including the streets, ment after two decades of dictatorship. 2005, Aquino had been a fierce Arroyo the rain of confetti along the route Instead, the programs interviewed the critic following the “Hello, Garci” election transferring her remains from La standard sources—members of her fam- cheating scandal. n Salle Greenhills to the Manila Ca- thedral and the funeral procession 16 • JULY-AUGUST 2009 REACTIVE REPORTING Clueless and harmful Only a few reports, commentaries and interviews tried to look more deeply into the Roxas issue

n By Hector Bryant L. Macale well as those of other personalities report’s tone was also disparaging ing that membership in the Com- such as De Lima, it mentioned only of the victims of human rights vio- munist Party is no longer illegal he return to the Philippines of Filipina- in passing, if at all. lations. in this country, and that member- American activist Melissa Roxas last July made Manalo and his brother, both ship in any organization whether Clueless farmers in , were in this legal or illegal does not justify ab- the headlines. But the reports on her alleged Some reports were completely category of victims. They were ab- duction and torture. abduction and torture (along with two other clueless as to the implications of ducted by alleged military agents How to explain the press’ re- companions) by military agents were mostly the military’s claims. The GMA-7 in Feb. 2006. The two were in luctance to provide the informa- limitedT to he-said, she-said accounts. What was worse, news program last July 29 captivity for more than a year but tion that could have put the issue however, was the failure of the press to educate the pub- reported the first day of investiga- escaped on Aug. 2007. in the right perspective? Part of tion at the CHR. Its reporter said Express Balita last July 29 the reason could have been lim- lic on human rights, some media organizations’ providing that even other observers could reported that the military was in- ited understanding of what’s al- airtime to the most primitive allegations, and even making not hide their antipathy towards vestigating claims that Roxas is a lowed and what’s not, and part it seem that the victims’ anger towards their tormentors Palparan. The report then showed “communist”—without mention- of it could be fear. But ideologi- was unjustified. a clip of torture victim Raymund cal bias—it’s okay to torture and Manalo cursing Palparan. Saksi murder communists—was also According to Roxas—a mem- press should be the first to be Assuming it was identified Manalo as a “torture likely to have played a major part ber of the US chapter of the aware of how individuals and in- survivor”, but provided no other indeed Roxas in in the press failure to confront the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan stitutions manipulate the media to detail on Manalo, or even such issue head-on. (Bayan)—armed men abducted suit their agenda. Not only should background information as why the video, did her her and two other companions, a great deal of skepticism equip activists call Palparan the “Butch- Juanito Carabeo and John Edward the press when reporting complex being in the same A handful er” and accuse him of human As a result, only a few reports, Jandoc, last May 19 in . For issues such as human rights, to rights violations. camp as NPA commentaries, and interviews six days, she claimed, her abduc- avoid being manipulated it also Reporting on the same inci- tors tortured her into admitting needs to be pro-active in getting guerillas justify tried to look more deeply into the dent, TV5’s TEN reported: “Sa that she is a member of the New information . Roxas issue. kainitan ng diskusyon, umeksena People’s Army (NPA), the armed It can begin by asking the right her abduction The online news site Bulatlat pa ang isang hindi inaasahang group of the Communist Party of questions. For example, a July 28 had the most pro-active and per- bisita,” referring to Manalo. Not and torture? the Philippines-National Demo- Inquirer report quoted Military ceptive coverage. It devoted fre- only did TEN not identify him, the cratic Front (CPP-NDF). Spokesperson Lt. Col. Romeo quent reports and features on the Save for a few news stories and Brawner Jr. as saying that the controversy. One Bulatlat in-depth commentaries, most of the reports video clip Palparan and Alcover story the rest of the press should on the issue chose to focus on the said showed Roxas in an NPA have done was its analysis of the use extremist views of partylist rep- camp was “authentic” and that the of the “NPA” label to justify Roxas’s resentatives Jovito Palparan (an military had found out “that it was abduction and torture. ex-army general accused of gross Roxas on the video.” (Philippine The Philippines is a signatory human rights violations) and Daily Inquirer, “Video of Fil-Am to a number of international pro- Pastor Alcover, and their claim at NPA camp authentic—AFP”) tocols against torture and human- that Roxas was an NPA member. Assuming it was indeed Roxas rights abuses,” Bulatlat wrote. Palparan is the Bantay Party-list in the video, did her being in the “This emphasis on freedom Reps. while Alcover is with the same camp as NPA guerillas jus- from torture as a non-derogable Alliance for Nationalism and De- tify her abduction and torture? right is particularly significant mocracy. That it did not was not part of the because the state’s justification of Some reports did quote other information the report provided. the use of torture–in the case of personalities such as Commis- And yet the Constitution and the Roxas, by alleging that she was a sion on Human Rights Chair Leila civilized world ban torture, no guerrilla–undermines whatever de Lima who tried to present the matter what the claimed offense commitment it has assured the in- Palparan and Alcover claims in of anyone is, even if that offense ternational community that it re- a different light. De Lima told be rebellion. spects human rights.” (“Justifying the Philippine Daily Inquirer: The government-run networks Torture of Melissa Roxas, Regime “(F)reedom from torture is a non- were much worse in their reportage. Violates International Agree- derogable human right. Under no NBN-4’s Teledyaryo usually relied ments,” Aug. 12, http://www. circumstance, not even (in) a state solely on military and government bulatlat.com/main/2009/08/12/ of war or conflict, can the torture sources, and it did not make any by-justifying-torture-of-melissa- of anyone be justified.” exception in this case. The views Rep. , Roxas’ lawyer Rex Fernandez, and Melissa Roxas roxas-regime-violates-interna- Of all social institutions the of Roxas and her organization, as Photos by LITO OCAMPO tional-agreements-it-signed/) n • JULY-AUGUST 2009 17 The press then and now A Chilling Comparison The hostile environment the Arroyo administration has created is unprecedented since the Marcos period

n By Danilo Araña Arao the Lopez-owned Manila Chroni- cle (which used to be pro-Marcos he ghost of the political past has risen in the because Fernando Lopez served present. The specter of things to come is mani- as vice-president) became critical fest in parallelisms with the things that were. of the administration when the vice-president had a falling out Fourteen years of martial law rule in the with Marcos and resigned as sec- Philippines prompt concerned Filipinos to pe- retary of Agriculture and Natural Triodically remind their fellow citizens of the dictatorial Resources in Jan. 1971. tendencies of those who assumed power after the ouster of Reminiscent of Arroyo’s con- the late Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. flict with the Lopezes, Marcos had accused the latter of “fomenting Putting the country in a state of unrest through their media.” With national emergency through Presi- “Saving” the republic Rosalinda Pineda Ofreneo noted regard to the magazine Asia-Phil- dential Proclamation (PP) No. 1017 Marcos cited two main rea- that in the early 1970s, “a large ippines Leader established in the in Feb. 2006 was the closest the sons for the declaration of Martial section of the Manila press sus- 1970s, Ofreneo suggested that it country has so far come to the reim- Law in Sept. 1972—to save the re- tained a strongly critical stance had a political agenda, since Jo- position of martial law, even if PP public from communism and to against the administration,” citing selito Jacinto was its publisher, 1017 was in effect for only a week. create a new society. The Arroyo as an example The Manila Times’ and he happened to be the “sci- Ironically it happened as the nation administration has raised the Photos and repros by LITO OCAMPO opposition to Marcos, his policies on of the wealthy (Jacinto) clan was marking the 20th anniversary of same communist bogey to justify in Marcos’s justification for the and his actions “as early as the embroiled in a bitter battle with the ouster of Marcos through EDSA the suppression of those who op- declaration of Martial Law in the 1969 elections.” Marcos over the Iligan Integrated 1 in 1986, and that it was imposed pose it, whether from the political late 1960s and early 1970s, and Ofreneo also points out that Steel Mills.” by President Gloria Macapagal opposition, the mass movement, circumstances that the Arroyo re- Arroyo, a beneficiary of EDSA 2, or the various Leftist formations gime is orchestrating and taking which ousted former president Jo- from party list organizations to advantage of today. seph Estrada in 2001 and put Ar- the Communist Party of the Phil- Calls for the ouster of Marcos royo in Malacañang. ippines (CCP). “New politics” has preceded authoritarian rule. As Arroyo is herself under threat also been promoted by the Arroyo in the case of Arroyo, Marcos was of ouster for the same reasons administration in behalf of na- accused of corruption. Both were that Marcos and Estrada earned tional development. also said to be involved in various the people’s ire—for human rights It was the “New Society” then, scandals in which they directly, violations, electoral , crony- it’s the “New Politics” now. Both their family members, or their ism and corruption, among oth- are nothing but empty rhetoric, close friends allegedly enriched ers. The June 19 to 22 survey of but what’s significant is that the themselves at the expense of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) social change both regimes prom- people. showed that her satisfaction rat- ise remain unrealized. ing is at -31%. The SWS added But Marcos and Arroyo have A critical press that 70% of respondents oppose something more in common: they As far as the press and the me- changing the Constitution to al- are two of the most unpopular dia are concerned, the years lead- low Arroyo to remain as President presidents the country has ever ing to Martial Law had something beyond the expiration of her term had. Understandable that most in common with the present. In in 2010. Filipinos have a sense of déjà vu her book The Manipulated Press, 18 • JULY-AUGUST 2009

Philippines (NDFP). The NPC also provided legal and moral as- sistance to activists arrested for publishing the Dumaguete Times which Ofreneo says was “the first socially aware newspaper…which felt a deep sense of compassion with the people suffering from so- cial injustices.”

Small comfort The Marcos and Arroyo atti- tude towards the press are uncan- nily similar. Marcos, according to Ofreneo, believed that “the press had been infiltrated by the com- munists and attacked the ‘media oligarchs’ who had subjected him and his wife to ‘scandalous abuse and slander’ to topple down his administration.” Intra-elite conflicts--plus The Philippine As the UP CMC’s statement Such anecdotal evidence shows said, Arroyo has also tagged criti- that the press’ opposition to the press today cal media groups and at least one Marcoses was expressive of con- maintains the journalist “as enemies of the state flicts within various wings of the either by the military’s infamous economic and political elite. But same critical ‘Knowing the Enemy’ presenta- that does not mean that the op- tion or its 2007 Order of Battle in position was solely limited to the attitude Davao.” In addition, Arroyo has defense of their narrow interests. used every opportunity to dismiss Campus publications like towards serious accusations against her Lagablab (Philippine Science and her allies as simply being the High School), the Philippine Col- the Arroyo work of “destabilizers”. legian (University of the Philip- administration Today’s political opposition pines-Diliman) and Pandayan has stressed time and again that (Ateneo de Manila University) the reimposition of martial law is had as editors and staff activists a distinct possibility due to strik- from their respective schools who sult of a libel case filed against ing similarities in the social and consequently made these campus him by the Speaker of the House political circumstances then and papers venues of dissent. of Representatives,” said UP- now, while the Arroyo admin- Other progressive organiza- CMC, “shows how government istration always dismisses such tions had their respective publica- officials can use the law to si- claims as unfounded. But as those tions, as in the case of Kabataang lence and intimidate those who who have survived Martial Law Makabayan (National Youth), are critical of the powers-that-be. would recall, Marcos too denied which published Kalayaan Broadcast journalist Cheche Laz- any plans to impose it, as well as (which was also the name of the aro was sued for wiretapping by a to prolong his rule. Katipunan’s publication, the lone government official as a result of The bombings that have been issue of which had called for the her work in exposing corruption. happening in recent months are overthrow of Spanish rule in the Journalists who went to Maguin- have organized themselves to Peninsula siege in 2007. in this context convenient excuses country). Underground publica- danao were briefly detained when fight back by, among others, filing Ofreneo observes that activist for the declaration of Martial Law. tions like of the CPP they covered the conflict there. All cases against Mike Arroyo for the politics “entered the confines of The limitations provided by the were also publishing even before are the result of an atmosphere latter’s libel cases against journal- the pre-1972 National Press Club 1987 Constitution on its imposi- the imposition of Martial Law. the Arroyo administration has ists and the Philippine National (NPC) during the presidency of tion provide no comfort to people The Philippine press today created which encourages media Police (PNP) and other govern- Antonio Zumel” who later on be- who are fully aware that the pow- maintains the same critical atti- repression.” ment officials for the mass arrest came chair of the underground ers-that-be are planning to change tude towards the Arroyo admin- of journalists covering the Manila National Democratic Front of the the Constitution mainly to change istration. In its own assessment Same tactics the form of government and to lift last July 24, the University of The same situation was appar- term limits. the Philippines College of Mass ent in the pre-Martial Law era. Notwithstanding occasional Communication (UP CMC) said According to Ofreneo, “the Mar- weaknesses in its coverage of issues, that the hostile environment the cos administration did not take there is hope that today’s press can Arroyo administration has cre- the attacks (by the press) against live up to the challenge of at least ated is “unprecedented since the it without hitting back.” Marcos’ making the public aware of the vol- Marcos period,” and that it “has tactics antedated those of Arroyo’s atile political situation through its undermined the constitutionally husband Jose Miguel “Mike” Ar- critical stance towards an adminis- protected freedom of expression royo. In July 1971, Marcos filed tration hostile to press freedom and in general and press freedom in a P50-million libel suit against its determination to resist all forms particular.” Time magazine, a “warning to of media repression. n Just like the Marcos regime local publications which would before the imposition of Martial continue to subject his office and Danilo A. Arao is an assistant Law, the current regime professes his person to ‘licentious assault.’” professor of journalism at the a commitment to press freedom In addition, Sen. Benigno Aquino University of the Philippines in that time and its actions have and the Manila Times Publishing Diliman. He is currently on spe- proven to be nothing but lip ser- Corporation faced a P5-million cial detail as a visiting professor vice. civil libel suit in Nov. 1971. at Hannam University’s Linton “The imprisonment of Davao Just as today’s concerned Global College in Daejeon, South broadcaster Alex Adonis as a re- journalists and media groups Korea. • JULY-AUGUST 2009 19 Analysis Impunity & witness protection In a country of guns for hire and indifferent law enforcement, witnesses naturally expect safety from retribution

n By Melanie Y. Pinlac report on the weaknesses and limitations of the state-run WPP he continuing murder of Filipino jour- pointed out that support for the nalists and media practitioners indicates how prosecution services especially in the field of protecting witnesses much the culture of impunity in the Philippines has declined over the years de- has flourished—one more result of the systemic spite an increase in the number of weaknesses of the country’s justice system. In murder cases. (The full report was Taddition to the government’s lack of political will, ineffi- published in CMFR’s 2008 Philip- cient law enforcement, prosecutors burdened with impos- pine Press Freedom Report.) “Although we recognize that sible case loads, the primitive state of forensic investiga- in a developing country like ours tion, and the poorly-funded witness protection program the Witness Protection Program are responsible for the culture of impunity. and the prosecution service will The prosecution of criminal the dismissal of the case and the always have to stand in line for cases including media murders acquittal of the suspect last April scarce resources which must first in the Philippines relies heavily, 22. The prosecution had failed be devoted for our people’s basic needs, the issue should be prop- sometimes solely, on testimonial to present additional evidence to witnesses naturally demand as- erly addressed soonest before we evidence rather than forensic corroborate the testimony of its surance that they and their fami- Many reach the point where the prob- evidence, the result of the rudi- lone witness. lies will be safe from retribution. lems become so huge and so many mentary—and sometimes care- On Christmas eve almost two Many witnesses also worry about witnesses can’t they compromise the capacity of less—processing and gathering years ago (Dec. 24, 2007), Lintu- their socio-economic situation— be blamed if the system where prosecution of of physical evidence by law en- an—a radio blocktimer based in the loss of their jobs, their reloca- the cases of slain journalists be- forcement agencies. Investiga- Davao City—was shot to death by tion, problems with daily financ- they think twice comes nearly impossible,” Dacera tors, prosecutors and try a lone assassin. es, among others (especially for said. to gather extensive and compre- What happened in the Lintu- those who will be admitted to safe about going Not all witnesses are quali- hensive testimonial evidence to an case was not unusual. Many houses). fied for the government’s witness make up for the lack of physical other media murder cases, like Many witnesses can’t be into the tedious protection program. RA 6981 evidence, and their unreliability, the 2003 killing of another Davao blamed if they think twice about states that, “Any person who has if available. The families and col- City broadcaster, Juan “Jun” Pala, going into the tedious trial pro- trial process witnessed or has knowledge or in- leagues of slain journalists have never even reached the courts be- cess. In the Philippines, murder formation on the commission of a also been burdened with the task cause no witness dared to come trials last for years. In some cases, passed in 1991, mandates the cre- crime and has testified or is testi- of locating possible witnesses for forward. witnesses have died without testi- ation of the government’s Witness fying or about to testify before any the prosecution of the suspected fying. Those who do survive end Benefits, Security and Protection judicial or quasi-judicial body or killers and masterminds. Securing witnesses up totally spent. Program, commonly known as before any investigating author- In the murder case against Convincing witnesses to testify All these concerns about the the Witness Protection Program ity, may be admitted.” provided the alleged killer of Davao-based in court—especially in cases in- protection of and support for wit- (WPP). that he/she passed the criteria laid broadcaster Fernando “Batman” volving powerful personalities—is nesses and their families should But in reality, the government out by Section 3. The criteria are: Lintuan, the testimony of the lone itself as problematic as finding have been addressed by Republic witness protection scheme is lim- (1) the case the witness will testify witness, described by the court them. Act No. 6981, also known as the ited in scope and poorly-funded. for is considered a“grave felony” judge as “ridiculous and unbe- In a country of guns for hire “The Witness Protection, Secu- WPP Director and Senior State as defined in the Revised Penal lievable”, contributed most to and indifferent law enforcement, rity and Benefit Act”. RA 6981, Prosecutor Leo Dacera III in his Code; (2) his/her testimony “can 20 • JULY-AUGUST 2009

be substantially corroborated in court. Media advocates and press its material points”; (3) s/he and groups have realized the impor- his/her family are under threat; tance of witnesses in the prosecu- and (4) s/he is not a law enforce- tion of cases and the urgent need ment officer. to protect them and their families The government’s inability to as well. address the needs of witnesses The Center for Media Free- has made some witnesses vulner- dom and Responsibility (CMFR) able to unwarranted influence or and the Freedom Fund for Fili- pressure. In 2008, two witnesses pino Journalists (FFFJ) regularly in the 2004 killing of Aklan-based consult and talk with witnesses, Media Protection broadcaster Herson Hinolan re- families, and other relatives of canted. Both witnesses expressed slain journalists to reassure them in their affidavit of recantation of continuing support, morally, le- uncertainty that the alleged gun- gally and financially. Established man-mastermind was the one in 2003, the FFFJ is a coalition of Center planned they saw shooting the broadcaster. six media organizations formed One of these witnesses had alleg- to address the continuing attacks Media Action Center to monitor attacks “The power of broadcast media edly been convinced by his rela- against journalists and media and threats against journalists and media to create and destroy fundamen- tives to withdraw his testimony in practitioners. CMFR serves as the practitioners is being planned by Northern tal human values comes with exchange for “help” from the de- FFFJ Secretariat. Mindanao journalists with the Presidential great responsibility. Those who fendant. The broadcaster’s widow FFFJ has also expanded the Task Force Against Political Violence (pop- control such media are account- has since filed an administrative coverage of its legal assistance to able for its consequences.” Aularly known as Task Force 211). Police Colonel Andy Gauran case against the state prosecutor include key witnesses in ongoing who signed the witnesses’ affida- cases against the killers of jour- This was a result of the first talked about how media prac- vits of recantation. nalists and media practitioners. It “Seminar-Workshop on Ethical titioners can safeguard them- Many also doubt the capacity has also worked closely with the Standards, Personal Security & selves and avoid attacks when of the government’s WPP to pro- prosecution teams handling me- Protection of Media Practitio- under threat. He reminded the tect them. dia murder cases to address the ners” organized by Task Force press that ethical practice could It does not help that some wit- problem of impunity. 211. The seminar was held last also be an important form of nesses have been killed as some Media organizations have of- June 19 in Cagayan de Oro City. protection as some threats are cases were progressing. In 2005, fered monetary assistance for The seminar-workshop aimed triggered by the reports of me- Edgar Ongue, a key witness in the persons who choose to testify in to establish a system of “informa- dia practitioners. murder of Pagadian city-based cases involving the killing of their tion gathering”, an “alert system The journalists and media journalist Edgar Damalerio—went employees. (to report threats and attacks practitioners also put together a into hiding after Edgar Amoro, Press freedom advocates against journalists to authorities manifesto affirming their adher- another witness in the Damalerio have also joined civil society and media groups)”, a “feedback ence to ethical and professional killing, was himself killed. A gun- organizations in pushing for a system”, and other means to standards and to the safety man killed Amoro in Feb. 2005, better budget for the WPP. In prevent the killing of journalists, guidelines discussed during the allegedly for identifying former Dec. 2008, the Senate approved Department of Justice Undersec- seminar. policeman Guillermo Wapile as a P30-million increase in the retary and Task Force 211 Chair An ad hoc committee com- the shooter of Damalerio. The proposed budget of the WPP. Ricardo Blancaflor said. posed of representatives from Amoro family reported that he Sen. Richard Gordon, in a Dec. Stressing the importance of local media organizations to- had been receiving death threats 2008 press release said that, “A solving media murders, Blan- gether with the Task Force 211 since May 2002 from Wapile and well-funded protection program caflor said that, “When you kill secretariat will oversee the cre- his accomplices. It took the inter- is an indispensable requirement a Filipino media man (sic), you ation of the Media Action Cen- vention of the Freedom Fund for for the successful resolution of just don’t kill an individual you ter. The Media Action Center Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) before heinous crimes, such as mur- also kill freedom of expression, will hold office at a local gov- the families of Damalerio, Ongue der, kidnapping-for-ransom and which for most of us is more ernment building in Cagayan and Amoro could be moved to a drug trafficking.” sacred than life.” He added that Jularbal said that broadcasters de Oro. secure location. (The Cebu City Approved last March, the “as long as we want to have a de- and journalists should be re- Representatives of the Free- Regional Trial Court convicted 2009 General Appropriations mocracy we must have freedom minded of and be responsible dom Fund for Filipino Journal- Wapile on Nov. 25, 2005.) Act or RA 9524 reflect the sen- of expression.” for the possible effects of their ists, KBP officers, and members ate proposal to increase the WPP During the seminar, The reports. of the national directorate of the Improving protection budget by P30 million. For 2009, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster Quoting a 1994 decision of National Union of Journalists of of witnesses the fund reached P114 million, ng Pilipinas (KBP) Legal Coun- the War Crimes Tribunal for the Philippines were also pres- The inadequacies of the WPP compared to the approximately sel Rejie Jularbal discussed ethi- Rwanda, Jularbal stressed the ent during the seminar-work- have compelled witnesses in me- P84 million it received the pre- cal and professional standards. need for media responsibility: shop. n dia killings to refuse to testify in vious year. n • JULY-AUGUST 2009 21 The Power of the Image The broadcast media’s power is unprecedented and unchallenged

n By Alaysa Tagumpay E. Escandor ask just how well they have served public interest. Have the broad- he world of broadcasting only had words of cast media managed to aid public praise for the late Walter Cronkite, the “father discourse, interpret the world, and of TV journalism”, who died last July 17 (see inform those who are uninformed and disinformed? The answer is at Obits, page 27). Like many broadcast journal- best mixed and lamentably leans ists in the United States in the 1950s, Cronkite towards the negative. Tmade the transition from print to a medium that was then The qualities that make radio still in its natal years: television. and TV powers to contend with are also the same qualities that have His characteristic baritone in the Philippines where media led to the erosion of broadcast voice rose to fame along with the literacy is next to nil. journalism’s providing relevant changing of the dynamics of the information. The pervasiveness of living room, where the TV set Beginnings of broadcast broadcast media may have result- soon became the new centerpiece. Journalism is the method de- ed to an abundance of informa- In households across the US, fam- veloped by society in providing A television studio in campus JOSEPH CATAAN tion, but whether this information ilies watched Cronkite deliver the information useful to itself, a re- has generated an understanding news practically as it was happen- minder of how integral the press There is a guage Filipino. It is no surprise, of the world by its inhabitants is a ing. is to public life. Studies in sociol- therefore, that broadcast media different question altogether. “The medium is the mes- ogy and anthropology show that need to review have become “the principal sourc- Intellectual and critical dis- sage,” said media scholar Mar- the transmission and basic values es of news and the major venue for course requires a level of engage- shall McLuhan. And in the world of news have been remarkably and enhance discussion of public affairs,” says ment from the public and media. of journalism, nowhere is the consistent “throughout history Melinda Quintos de Jesus, execu- There have been efforts from emphasis on form—and image and across cultures”, says histo- the learning tive director of the Center for Me- both radio and TV to meet this —more pronounced than in the rian Mitchell Stephens (History dia Freedom and Responsibility duty, but not enough. Primetime broadcast media. It is the power of News: From the Drum to the process in (“Broadcasting: Information or news, for instance, are not exactly of the image that TV makes icons Satellite, 1988). After all, the drive Entertainment”, Philippine Jour- “primetime” since telenovelas and out of individuals, giving them the for news, which in essence is the broadcast nalism Review, Jan. 2004). soap operas occupy the time slots credibility that made Cronkite, for shared desire for knowledge on journalism At present, over 96 percent of that have the most viewers and instance, “the most trusted man events both directly and indirectly Filipinos have access to broadcast consequently, most advertisers. in America”. experienced, is as old as time it- information, making it the con- More and more, news and docu- The broadcast media are one self. were there firsthand. It is this very venient substitute for print. The mentaries are relegated to the of the most powerful forces in the Nonetheless, there have been ability to project sound and im- bulk of the population turns to fringes of programming—either public arena. The broadcast me- changes. The experience of news age across continents that have TV and radio for both news and early evening or late night, but dia’s ability to make the ordinary transmission and reception un- spurred the development of global entertainment. The problem be- never during peak time. Multi- charismatic; the ceremonial, cred- derwent a revolution of sorts in communication, which many so- gins when news is taken for enter- awarded investigative programs, ible; the nuanced, homogenous; the early 1900s with the invention ciologists mark as indispensable tainment, with sound and visuals like Probe, are aired at around and the far-away-familiar, is un- of radio, and with the provenance to the contemporary world. aimed at diversion rather than ex- 11:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m., a period precedented and unchallenged. of TV. The ubiquity of broadcast in- planation. referred to as “dead hour” in TV Against this backdrop, how- For one, broadcast news has an formation has had an immense because of the significant drop in ever, is the undeniable and en- ubiquity absent in print. The ear- impact in the Philippines where a Dangers and demise viewers. during obligation of the press to liest radio services, for instance, limited section of the population The rise of broadcast media is Indeed, the dominance of mar- truth and public interest. This reached areas in the peripheries, —84% in 2003—is functionally a revolution that has served as a ket forces is evident in Philippine is the core principle journalists such as farming and fishing com- literate. An even smaller section supplement of, but is not neces- broadcast journalism. In the war must abide by, and which society munities. Through TV, people can afford to buy newspapers, sarily limited to, the practice of for ratings, media networks seek has a right to expect and demand. witnessed from unfolding to cli- particularly national broadsheet journalism. Today, when the pow- to attract and retain the attention Lamentably, this right is barely max the occurrences in far-flung dailies which are written in Eng- er of TV and radio has reached of users either by sensationalism exercised, much less recognized, areas as though they themselves lish instead of the national lan- unparalleled heights, it is fitting to or an unwarranted focus on per- 22 • JULY-AUGUST 2009

sonalities, says Prof. Roland To- er in journalism, broadcasting, lentino, dean of the University of or general communication. The the Philippines College of Mass core courses include Introduction Communication (UP CMC). He to Communication, Introduction adds that there also is a hesitation to Communication Theory and to air news that will disturb and Research, Communication and disrupt. One, because advertis- Society, Media Law and Ethics, ers tend to favor shows that steer Thesis, and Internship. “These away from the controversial and must be uniformly taught across contentious; and two, because, specialization,” said Robles. despite the vigilance of media The new curriculum includes institutions, existing Philippine classes in communication theory, laws fall short in assuring press ethics, and media in society in freedom. part to address the mediocrity in broadcast practice. Also, a the- A turn for the senseless sis is now a must for completion, The TV and radio industries something which other schools, are undeniably commercial. Me- such as Ateneo de Manila Univer- dia users are treated as commod- sity, do not require at present. ity buyers, and the shows shaped Major and required courses, by profit. Thus, broadcast journal- meanwhile, are specialized class- ists must constantly tread upon es for broadcasting. These courses this duality of broadcast being give the student a firm grounding profit-oriented and a public ser- on the demands of broadcasting, vice all at the same time. including technique and technical To popularize news, media know-how. have evolved “infotainment”, Finally, the curriculum also which focus on senseless enter- provides for electives. Available tainment to be popular. The cur- tion—pre-production, production classes include advanced courses rent practice is to devote an entire proper, and post-production. in radio and TV production. The section of a news program to “in- Precisely because it is capital- suggested electives aim to give fotainment” – “Star Patrol” for TV intensive, few schools have opted students even more specialized Patrol in ABS-CBN 2, and “Chikka to offer broadcasting as a course, skills than those taught in the Minute” for 24 Oras in GMA-7. said Prof. Sev Sarmenta of the major and required courses. But Broadcast reports are also lim- Department of Communication, students may also opt to obtain ited by airtime; non-special news- Ateneo de Manila University. electives in other colleges, such as casts in TV Patrol and 24 Oras are Prof. Chi-Chi Fajardo-Robles, sociology and political science. one to two minutes in length. This head of the Technical Commit- Undeniably, there is a need to restriction has resulted in “sound tee for Broadcasting of the Com- review and enhance the learning bite journalism”, in which facts mission on Higher Education process in broadcast journalism. and arguments are condensed (CHED), agreed. “Even fewer Hopes for addressing the imper- into catchphrases that, at best, of- [than communication and jour- fections and flaws of the broadcast fer only a cursory look at issues. nalism schools] are schools that industry depend on the training of Indeed, the public interest so offer specialization in broadcast- future broadcast journalists who clear in the inception of media is ing. Broadcasting is hardware will one day take over the practice. now subsumed under the heavier heavy. You can teach journalism Professors and practitioners weight of profit-making. But the without equipment, it’s skills ori- Photos by LITO OCAMPO alike are in agreement that broad- airwaves are a public utility. TV ented. But to teach broadcasting, dio, TV, and editing equipment. The standardization of the cast journalism schools should of- and radio networks are not own- you have to have a radio studio, Production classes tended to em- broadcast curriculum is an effort fer, more than anything, courses ers but mere “caretakers” (fran- TV studio, digital equipment. phasize style over substance, say to ensure the quality of broadcast that will give students an appro- chise holders) of the airwaves, ex- Many schools shy away from that many broadcast students in UP. education in learning institutions, priate foundation on media theory plains Prof. Rose Feliciano of the because it means a big capital out- In TV and radio newscasts, for as well as a response by govern- and the role of media in society. UP CMC (“Responsibility to Serve lay,” she explained. instance, the bulk of the student’s ment to the unique demands of Before techniques and techni- the Public. Philippine Journalism The trend, it seems, is to of- grade either goes to acting or di- Philippine broadcasting. But only cal skills, the emphasis must be Review”, Jan. 2004). fer broadcasting as a minor track recting, while scripts receive only the minimum in teaching broad- on the relation of a free press to For journalism to be relevant, in a larger interdisciplinary pro- cursory checking. casting is required by the CHED democracy, said Tolentino. Im- it must continue to supply infor- gram, usually mass communi- curriculum. plicit in that is the unique role of mation that allows citizens to take cation or communication arts. A compromise It’s a compromise dictated by broadcast journalism in public part in governing themselves. To Such is the practice in Ateneo de CHED first released a broad- the realities of Philippine educa- life, a function that is related but this end, formal training and edu- Manila University, University of cast curriculum in 1997 to en- tion. “If we shoot for the stars, distinct from TV and radio’s en- cation play a critical role. Santo Tomas, and St. Scholasti- sure that the quality of teaching many schools may not be able to tertainment function. Whether ca’s College. in broadcasting schools is at par comply,” Robles explained. “If a such distinction is satisfied by the Between journalism and In UP Diliman, however, broad- with the rest of the world’s. To- school can go beyond the mini- new CHED curriculum is an issue broadcasting casting took a different path. UP day, there is another broadcasting mum requirements because they that must be resolved. In the Philippines, journalism was first to offer a specialized course curriculum being proposed, said have the initiative, they have the Indeed, the power of broad- schools usually concern them- on broadcasting, stated Prof. Fer- Robles. “[We submitted] the cur- resources, well and good. But ev- cast media to influence and in- selves with print media, first and nando Austria Jr. of the UP CMC. riculum in 2007 or 2008, at least ery school has to meet the mini- form is ambivalent—it can work foremost. Broadcast journalism is Consequently, it was UP’s broad- a year ago,” she said. mum standards.” like a charm, but also as a dag- left in the general domain of com- casting curriculum that was used Half of the year 2009 has gone Unlike the 1997 CHED curricu- ger. Which way it will go? The munication, where the distinction as template for CHED’s standards by, yet the curriculum has yet to lum, the revised curriculum rede- deciding factor is a firm under- between communication arts and broadcasting program. be passed due, in part, to bureau- fined the courses in the broadcast standing of media’s role in soci- mass communication remain hazy. The said curriculum is not cratic red tape. “In fact, we’re program into three classifications: ety by both audience and practi- Compared to print journal- without flaws, though. The em- quite disappointed that this cur- core courses, major and required tioners. Improving and revising ism, broadcasting requires more phasis on technical know-how is riculum has taken too long to be courses and electives. the broadcasting curriculum will resources to teach. Various kinds evident in UP’s broadcast curric- approved…It should be useful to Core courses must be taken by not, of course, solve all of the of equipment are needed in the ulum, where over 18 units either look at it again because we might any communication student re- practice’s problems. But it is cer- three tiers of broadcast produc- teach or require mastery over ra- have to make changes in it again.” gardless of specialization, wheth- tainly a step towards that. n • JULY-AUGUST 2009 23

editing is done on Avid, or Final questions on, for example, how do Cut, computers. Back then we were you build a proper newscast, one taught with linear editing machines that doesn’t cause undue alarm Everything I know, where tapes are manually and lit- with both what the news is about erally spliced and recorded over. and how you say the news? How do These days networks and media you build a proper documentary, a companies are already going digital proper field report? and going into tapeless workflows. There was not a single course I learned on the job The mechanics of digital au- on beat reporting, and on doing dio video productions were also special reports, field camerawork Most students get into broadcasting thinking something we just learned in our and building up a network of companies when this is a basic sources. What are the acceptable about the glamor and power, and even the skill all broadcasters should have. and unacceptable practices? But enough about the techni- The new media should be a money, of being on air cal side of it. Let’s go into the pol- course—nah, a major by itself. icy and philosophical side of mass Considering that the Internet has media education. become as pervasive as tradition- Ethics for one. Mass media al media, it also deserves its own n By RG Cruz ethics is actually universal—same field of study. Furthermore, the principles apply regardless of study of new media should factor y Nov. 21 this year, I will have spent exactly whether you’re in movie produc- in the convergence strategies of eight years in the profession of journalism. It tion, broadcasting, print journal- most media content providers. was in Nov. 21 of 2001, about seven months ism, research or new media like Back in my day, we were all after graduating from the University of the the Internet. And yet what we got required to intern before gradu- Philippines College of Mass Communication in the broadcast communication ation—that’s 100 hours each for curriculum—compared to what TV and radio. Most of my class- B(UP CMC), that I landed my first job. In the months be- CMC journalism majors were mates tried out in the big compa- tween my graduation and being hired, I confidently mass getting—didn’t reflect the ethical nies and big networks, where the mailed my resume to all the media outfits I could find here dilemmas that mass media practi- interns are relegated to mostly and abroad in hopes I would land that elusive first job. I tioners face every day. There were menial tasks like being gofers for was even a bit cocky, thinking that my education from the very cursory discussions (read: the staff. That—I don’t know how country’s top mass media school would land me a job just just one subject, one semester in useful that would be. Big compa- four years) on ethical situations nies may not always be inclined to like that and put me on the fast track to a bright career. in the workplace that sometimes let students do something more Boy, was I dead wrong. team with many functions. span years before being solved. significant than getting coffee, Don’t get me wrong. With all I have always believed that Bribery? Do you know there are running for something, or pho- due respect to my professors and this is something that should have many ways to go about bribery in tocopying. Smaller companies on the institutions inside the State been discussed in school. During the media and to make it appear the other hand, such as the gov- University, they gave me the best my time at the UP CMC, yes, pro- that you’re not being bribed when ernment networks, since they are education that could be offered at ductions for radio or TV were em- you are actually being bribed—if badly funded, have fewer staff, THAT time. phasized to be team efforts. Yet it you think about the real intent and need all the help they can I had a rude awakening when must be pointed out that that we of why you’re being given what get—and so will be more willing I got my first job and realized that had very cursory training in the you’re being given? to let students go through the en- none of what I picked up in school skills that were required to make You’d be surprised if you ask tire gamut of skills one will need. would help me even if to at least being a member of such a team a how today’s practicing journalists Lastly, I feel that mass media edu- just coast along. I could even dare much more fulfilling experience. have twisted and contorted the cation can devote more time and say that most, if not all of the skills For example: for our basic ra- principles of mass media ethics effort on the power of the media I have now as a journalist I learned dio and TV production classes, we to excuse their benefitting from to shape the life of an entire na- on the job, and not from school. trained on obsolete equipment. I perks and privileges. Many of tion—or even of the world. Mass On a very regular basis I have mean in 2001, who was using non- them are either unaware or simply media is power, power wielded been invited to give career talks in computerized broadcast equip- ignore both the letter and the spir- only by the hands of a few. We many schools, been interviewed by ment? While knowing the basics it of the ethical principle in favor ought to make sure it is wielded graduating students for their the- of non-computerized broadcast of the convenience that the letter more responsibly. ses—all on topics going along the equipment is good, the reality is of the law, so to speak, offers. The Mass media is such a dynamic lines of how journalists become the that students, upon entering the ethical training during my time field. It changes with the changes journalists that they are. My answer workplace after graduation, have as a broadcast communication in technology. Skills evolve. So do has always been consistent: during to learn a new set of skills—when major was certainly not enough ethical dilemmas and practices. your formative days in the profes- what they learned in school should to build us good, working moral Yet, the power mass media wield sion, you spend a considerable be something they should just be compasses. The ethical principles will always be the same—a very amount of time “un-learning” what supplementing when they get to taught were more on the general powerful combination of power you picked up in college. the workplace. rather than the cognitive side of over the minds, hearts and actions I majored in Broadcast Com- Another point: audio and the actual ethical dilemmas that of an entire nation. One stroke of munication—a technology-driven video editing is a basic skill all confront journalists daily. the pen, one word on air, one dra- field. These days to be a competent broadcasters should have be- Take broadcast journalism matic picture—whether it be on broadcaster, you must not only be cause practically everything that education for another example. TV, radio, print or the Internet— able to perform on air (whether goes on air whether on radio or In my time, mass communication can send stock markets crashing, for radio or TV) but also be able to TV goes through some sort of au- students got two journalism sub- cause rallies and protests on the perform off the air (that’s off cam- dio-video editing—that’s splicing jects but only one was mandatory— streets, put a military and police

MANIX ABRERA era work if you’re on TV). sound bites and images for you Journalism 101, which as the name on war footing, even start a re- Most students get into broad- non-broadcast majors—in order suggests is more about the basics gime change in some instances. casting thinking about the glamor to make a cohesive piece. During of journalism in general—which is We better make sure this power and power, and maybe even the my time, basic audio-video edit- basically more print than broad- is wielded very well or else we will money of being on air and having ing was just an elective. cast oriented. The other journalism get the society we deserve. n a live audience at home. What they To make matters worse, THAT subject, Broadcast Journalism 133, fail to realize is that a lot of what elective was taught using obsolete was an elective. And again, to make RG Cruz is a reporter for ABS- you see on TV or hear on the radio editing equipment nobody even things worse, neither course, while CBN 2 and news presenter for the is the product of team effort—a uses anymore. Today, audio video giving us the basics, addressed ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC). 24 • JULY-AUGUST 2009 CRISIS

companions Edgar Amoro and Ed- to the Point” with Romy Santiago someone’s toes….Maybe he didn’t Moran explained in a phone in- n NATIONAL gar Ongue. The gunman, former over Radyo Natin (Our Radio) in expect that it will happen,” Alviso terview that Castillo had told police police office Guillermo Wapile was Bislig City every Friday. According to said in Filipino. investigators that he recognized the convicted in Nov. 2005. Radyo Natin station manager Mario Alviso also told CMFR that he re- gunman and driver but refused to The Freedom Fund for Filipino Alviso, the program was sponsored ceived a text message last July 28 give their names when asked at the Journalists (FFFJ), a coalition of six by Vice Governor Librado Navarro saying that the death of Linao was hospital. A police spot report said media organizations to address at- of Surigao del Sur, for whom Linao just a sample of what s/he can do the gunman was wearing a light tacks on and threats to press free- worked as a spokesperson. and he (Alviso) would be next. Al- blue shirt and no helmet, while the dom in the country, was launched Linao also occasionally an- viso said it came hours after he dis- driver was wearing a black jacket in 2003 after a media dialogue on chored a program over the radio sta- cussed on air some inconsistencies and a red helmet. the Damalerio case. The Center for tion 94.5 Magic Love FM in Barobo in the investigation on the killing of Three days earlier (June 9), Media Freedom and Responsibility which discussed the structure and Linao. CMFR tried calling the mobile Crispin Perez Jr., a radio commenta- (CMFR) is a founding member of works of the organization Kapami- number (+639089869061) used, tor at the local government-owned TFFJ and serves as its secretariat. lya Walang Iwanan Association, but no one answered the call. FM radio station dwDO in San Jose During the awards ceremony, of which he was a member. Linao, Police said they are still looking City, Occidental Mindoro, died at Esperat’s eldest daughter Janice according to his wife, had been in into the possible motives behind hospital of gunshot wounds inflicted Seraspe shared how much her the broadcasting business for eight the killing. by an unknown gunman outside his mother valued and searched for years. Linao is the sixth journalist/me- home at around 10 a.m. Earlier re- truth. “She said she was ready to die The local police said Linao had dia practitioner killed in the Philip- ports said Perez had been stabbed, for her cause,” Seraspe said, add- apparently just parked across the pines in 2009. Five out of those but Major Alberto Villapando, head LITO OCAMPO Seraspe ing that the awards and praises her road and was on his way to a local killed worked for radio. Before of the police team assigned to in- Damalerio, mother had received posthumously restaurant when he was shot. De Linao, a volunteer broadcaster had vestigate the case, told CMFR in Esperat awarded have been Marlene’s “legacy to her la Rosa said Linao’s motorcycle been killed in Agusan del Sur, a a phone interview that Perez had grandchildren.” was on still its stand when police province in the same region as Su- been shot twice with a .45 caliber posthumously found it. Dodie Lacuña of RPN-9 received rigao del Sur. handgun. Slain journalists Edgar Da- the award for Damalerio in behalf of Linao had allegedly received a The National Bureau of Inves- malerio and Marlene Esperat were the Damalerio family. message on his mobile phone invit- tigation (NBI) and Perez’s widow awarded posthumously the 2009 Journalists Howie Severino ing him to go to the restaurant. Al- Three media Irene filed last July 2 a murder com- Titus Brandsma Award Philippines (GMA-7) and Patricia Evangelista viso told the Center for Media Free- practitioners killed plaint against the alleged gunman, for Press Freedom last July 29. (ABS-CBN News Channel and Phil- dom and Responsibility (CMFR) that in June Police Officer 2 Darwin Quimoyog, Damalerio and Esperat were ippine Daily Inquirer) also received Linao was in Bagobo to celebrate Three media practitioners in before the Department of Justice. chosen because “they had lived the the Titus Brandsma Award for Lead- the town fiesta. According to Alviso, Southern Luzon and Mindanao were In her affidavit, Irene identified spirit of Blessed Titus Brandsma ership in Journalism and Emergent Linao’s friends who were with him killed in separate incidents last Quimoyog as the lone gunman who and stood for the truth in times of Leadership in Journalism, respec- that night said he read the message June. According to the Center for shot Perez. Irene told CMFR in a threats (and) compromises, de- tively. The jury chose Severino and and said he would go to the restau- Media Freedom and Responsibility phone interview that she saw the spite (the) odds and reprisals from Evangelista for “effectively us(ing) rant. It is still unclear who sent the (CMFR), 121 of the 134 recorded gunman talking to her husband the powers that-be (sic),” the Ti- media to respond to (the) people’s message. cases of media killings since 1986 outside their home. She said she tus Brandsma Media Center said. clamor for truth on issues and con- According to Linao’s widow Vir- (or nearly 90 percent) happened saw the assailant holding a gun Blessed Titus Brandsma, known cerns affecting them.” ginia, he left their home in Bislig outside Metro Manila. after she heard two consecutive as the “Martyr of Press Freedom,” The Titus Brandsma Award Phil- City, July 25 and was to spend his Last June 12, Antonio Castillo, shots. Irene said she tried but was fought for the freedom of the press ippines is a biennial award given weekend in Barobo. “He told me he a columnist for the local tabloid not able to chase the gunman who during the second World War in the to journalists who have “integrity, would come back on Monday (July Bigwas (Blow), died three hours immediately boarded a motorcycle Netherlands. commitment and consistency in 27, 2009),” Virginia said. after being shot by a gunman who after shooting Perez. Sultan Kudarat-based journal- reporting, advocacy for press free- Virginia and Alviso both said later fled on a motorcycle in Uson Local police in San Jose town ist Esperat was known for exposing dom, principled vigilance, fearless Linao had not told them of any re- town, Masbate. According to the later recovered the motorcycle the anomalies in the regional office of courage in dealing with significant cent threat. “We don’t (usually) re- Philippine National Police, a mur- gunman allegedly used when he the Department of Agriculture (DA), issues, and continuing effort to cre- ceive threats, we are just targeted der complaint was filed against an fled the scene. The motorcycle was where she formerly worked as resi- ate a critical readership and viewer- right away,” Alviso was quoted as alias Joyjoy and several John Does traced to Quimoyog, who allegedly dent ombudsman. She wrote about ship,” the Asian Institute of Journal- saying in several reports. before the Provincial Prosecutor’s bought it last June 5. Several wit- the anomalies she discovered in- ism and Communication’s Florangel Virginia said her family believes Office in Masbate last July 2. The nesses said that Quimoyog had cluding the fertilizer megascam of Braid, chair of the board of judges, the killing could be “70 percent re- motive behind the killing remains also used the motorcycle to surveil 2004 in her column. She also filed said. lated to politics” and “30 percent administrative cases against DA of- related to his broadcasting.” Linao unclear. Perez. ficials. would have run as a candidate for At around 9 a.m., a gunman Quimoyog, who was stationed On March 24, 2005, a gunman Broadcaster killed in provincial board member in Surigao on a motorcycle shot Castillo, at Magsaysay town in Occidental shot Esperat in front of her children Surigao del Sur del Sur this coming 2010 elections. who was himself on a motorcycle, Mindoro, is now in the custody of in their home in Tacurong City. The A broadcaster in Surigao Virginia also told CMFR that along the national highway in Pu- the Police Regional Office 4-B-Mi- gunman and his accomplices were del Sur was killed last July 27 a few Linao received threats every time rok 1, Marcella village, Uson town. maropa at Camp Eugenio Navarro convicted in 2006, but the alleged hours before Pres. Gloria Macapagal he ran for a government post. Linao GMANews.TV quoted Uson town in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, masterminds remain free despite Arroyo delivered her ninth State of the had served as a purok president police chief Senior Inspector Auro- according to the NBI. a warrant for their arrest issued in Nation Address. for two terms, district president for ra Moran as saying that “He (Cas- Perez was one of three anchors Oct. 2008. A gunman approached and shot two terms, and village councilor for tillo) was chased up to Sawang vil- in the “Sa Totoo Lang” (For Real)” Damalerio was known for his broadcaster Godofredo Linao Jr. five years. His last electoral bid was lage (Uson town) where he sought program, which aired from Monday exposés on allegedly anomalous four times along the provincial road in 2007 when he ran for provincial refuge in a house and the attack- to Friday from 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. Sta- and illegal transactions involving at Purok 1, Barobo town at around board member, but lost. ers fled.” Castillo was rushed by tion Manager Ferdie Data of dwDO local government officials, police- 1:15 a.m., according to Surigao del Alviso said Linao’s killing could members of the told CMFR that the public affairs men, military people as well as fel- Sur Provincial Police Director Col. be related to his blocktime program stationed in Uson to the Masbate program promoted government low journalists in Pagadian City. He Richard De la Rosa. The gunman on Radyo Natin. Linao discussed Provincial Hospital. projects and addressed issues in also filed cases against those he was accompanied by another man corruption in the local government. A June 14 Manila Bulletin re- government. The two other anchors reported as allegedly involved in who was waiting on a motorcycle ap- His latest commentary criticized the port said that the investigators were also government officials who wrongdoing. proximately 20 meters from where purchase of 10 vans by the city gov- thought Castillo would survive and were both members of a barangay On May 13, 2002, Damalerio the shooting happened. ernment amid the economic crisis could identify his assailants. But (village) council—a kagawad (coun- was shot dead while driving along Linao hosted the blocktime and lay-offs in the province. “It can- Castillo died three hours after the cilor) and a barangay captain, he a street in Pagadian with his two public affairs program “Straight not be helped if he had stepped on attack. said. • JULY-AUGUST 2009 25 CRISIS

Perez, a lawyer and a former mentaries on corruption issues in Raquel Tejada told CMFR that Tra- The Philippine Daily Inquirer re- three-day joint coverage, Mind- Occidental Mindoro vice governor local government. Petalvero did not jano usually joined police opera- ported last July 1 that the soldiers aNews reported. (July 1992 to July 1995), joined the mention receiving any threat prior tions to get stories. “It’s his style. tried to bring the journalists to the program in the third week of May. to the shooting incident, accord- He doesn’t rely on press releases,” 64th Infantry Battalion headquar- Gunmen fire at Perez also had his own program ing to Efren and Petalvero’s widow, Briones said in Filipino. ters upon the orders of Maj. Gen. media offices every Saturday, which was aired si- Girlie. “It was an unfortunate inci- Alfredo Caytona, commander of the Two unidentified gunmen multaneously at dwDO and Radyo According to a June 30 report dent….Yesterday, I was expecting 6th Infantry Division (to which the riding on a motorcycle fired at the Natin stations from 12 nn to 1 p.m. by the Manila newspaper Philippine his usual news advisory but what 601st IB belongs). building where Bangued-based The program, Data said, began at Star, Petalvaro was planning to run I received was news that he had In a phone interview with CMFR, media offices are housed last June around Jan. 2009. for vice mayor in the coming 2010 been killed in the raid,” Briones told Col. Geslani claimed the military 17. Bangued is the capital of Abra Irene said her husband had also elections, with Efren as his running CMFR last June 4. “had to secure” the area from im- province. worked as a radio commentator mate. Girlie confirmed that Petal- The incident prompted PNP provised explosive devices (IEDs) Police, however, told Center for at around 2003 to 2004 at dzYM vero was indeed planning to run Chief Director-General Jesus Ver- and lawless groups before letting Media Freedom and Responsibility station, but stopped to focus on for vice mayor, but said that he was soza to order the review of proce- the journalists pass. He said they (CMFR) that they have yet to estab- his practice as a lawyer. Irene said planning to run as an independent. dures in letting reporters join police needed an hour to secure the area lish if the shooting was aimed at Perez also worked as a part-time operations, the online news site since detecting IEDs and clearing the Catholic-run community weekly municipal legal consultant. GMANews.TV reported. the area had to be done “meticu- newspaper Abra Today, along with Irene Perez and Data said Per- “We will review the procedures lously”. affliates dzPA and dwWM radio sta- ez’s killing may be work-related. pertaining to that but we have left “We wanted to guarantee their tions which hold offices at the St. Perez may have made enemies for it to the territorial units to see to safety and security. Never mind if Arnold Janssen Communication his criticisms of mining and a sup- the safety of everybody–not only of we delayed them, at least they were Center. A law firm and a non-govern- ply contract between a local coop- operatives but also others who join safe. It’s my responsibility anyway if ment organization, among others, erative and a private power firm, police operations.” something happens to them.” Two also have offices in the same build- among others, Data said. weeks ago, according to Geslani, ing. Weeks after the two incidents in the Army recovered around 45 IEDs Journalists held at Maj. Adonis Guzman, Bangued Southern Luzon, another radio com- from the area. checkpoint chief of police, told CMFR that mentator was killed in Bayugan, However, Espina said, only Members of the Philippine witnesses heard two gunshots at Agusan del Sur. members of the media convoy Army stationed at Bagan village in around 9:30 p.m. Guzman said a Jonathan Petalvero of dxVM-FM were stopped. “Civilians were still Guindolongan, Maguindanao held security guard who saw the shoot- radio station was shot in the head allowed to pass,” he said in Filipi- 52 journalists at a checkpoint for ing told them the first shot was fired by a lone gunman around 7:30 p.m. no. Members of the International over an hour last June 30 to alleg- near the Divine College around 30 last June 25 inside a restaurant at Committee of the Red Cross were Trajano REMATE edly “guarantee their safety.” meters from the St. Arnold Janssen the Rotonda, Poblacion village. Con- allowed to pass the checkpoint, The journalists from Manila and Communication Center. trary to earlier reports, Bayugan Po- reports said. Reporter killed nearby Mindanao provinces were The second shot, Guzman said, lice Chief Inspector Rudy Cuyop told Asked why civilians were al- on their way to visit evacuation cen- hit the steel gate of the basement in the CMFR in a phone interview that during drug raid lowed passage, Geslani said the ci- ters in Datu Piang, Maguindanao the ground floor of the building. The the gunman fled on foot and not A tabloid reporter covering vilians were mostly residents of the basement houses the building’s onboard a motorcycle. Quoting wit- an anti-illegal drugs operation was as part of a three-day joint media village and known to the “bandits” generator and some cars among nesses, Cuyop also denied earlier killed in a gunfight between the coverage of the state of “bakwits” while the journalists and members others. The Abra Today office is lo- reports that the gunman was wear- police team he came with and the or evacuees in Mindanao when the of civil society organizations were cated on the second floor, above ing a ski mask. alleged members of a crime syndi- soldiers manning a checkpoint at new faces and could be targeted. the basement. Police have a cartographic sketch cate in the town of Taytay, last Bagan village refused to let them The ICRC members, the Inquirer Fr. Carmelo Gonzales, who over- of the suspect, but they still have to June 3. pass. The journalists, who were in reported, were allowed passage sees the media organizations, said determine the motive behind the kill- Tiburcio “Jojo” Trajano Jr., a cor- a convoy of eleven cars, were held by Monday (June 29) evening. “We the incident happened “maybe to ing. The shell of a .45 caliber round respondent of the Manila-based from 8 to 9 a.m. were simply ensuring their safety. scare us in the media.” Gonzales was also recovered within the prem- tabloid Remate in Rizal, was shot as The number of evacuees or There’s nothing more to it,” Geslani told CMFR that the most immediate ises of the incident. he was allegedly helping a wounded internally displaced persons in said in Filipino. link he can see was an Abra Today Petalvero, who was also a kaga- police officer, The Philippine Star Mindanao, estimated at around Journalists’ groups, however, news article and editorial about cor- wad at a village in Bayugan, hosted quoted Rizal provincial police direc- 700,000 by the government’s Na- said they believe that the Army was ruption in a local electric coopera- the program “Balita at Komentaryo tor Senior Supt. Ireneo Dordas as tional Disaster Coordinating Coun- delaying media coverage as civil so- (News and Commentary)” over local saying. Trajano was pronounced cil, has surged as a result of fight- ciety groups had reported that the tive, which they also suspect was station dxVM-FM, along with sta- dead at the Manila East Medical ing between government forces military had been involved in food involved in the attack on Abra Today tion owner Genesis Efren Sr., who is Hospital upon arrival. The police and the Moro Islamic Liberation blockades and harassment of civil- News Editor Marjorie Bandayrel- also the town vice mayor. The pro- officer he helped, PO2 Virgilio Dela Front (MILF) after a memoran- ians. Trinidad. gram is aired from 6 to 8 a.m. every Cruz, also died. dum of agreement over ancestral The incident was reminiscent Unidentified gunmen had earlier Monday. But in a July 2009 report At around 3 a.m. (local time), domain—which has blocked the of the arrest and detention of fired at Trinidad’s family’s house. of Task Force Usig, the police said armed men led by a certain “Soren” signing of a final peace agree- some three dozen journalists and Trinidad and her family were unhurt Petalvero is not a commentator but fired at the Rizal Provincial Special ment—between the Arroyo admin- media technicians at the Peninsu- in the May 14 attack. a regular resource speaker for the Operations Group which had just istration and the MILF leadership la Hotel in Manila on Nov. 2007, Guzman said police recovered a radio program. entered the house allegedly oc- was revoked in Aug. 2008. when they were covering a press slug in the premises of the building. Efren told CMFR that Petalvero cupied by Soren’s group. Dordas Nonoy Espina, vice-chair of the conference by military officers who But the slug was too deformed to in- had joined the program last Dec. told Center for Media Freedom and National Union of Journalists of the had gone to the hotel from a court dicate what caliber it was. 2008. He said the dxVM-FM station, Responsibility (CMFR) last 4 June Philippines (NUJP) and one of the hearing on charges of plotting a “I don’t know what to do now,” local franchise holder of the dxSF 2009 that the police have appre- journalists held, told CMFR that the coup d’etat. The governmental Trinidad told CMFR. She said she network owned by the Agusan Com- hended six alleged members of the soldiers at the checkpoint said they Commission on Human Rights had not received any threat before munications Foundation Inc., began drug syndicate. had been ordered by Col. Medardo has condemned the military ac- the recent attack and was unsure if airing in Nov. 2008. Remate’s publisher Rey Brio- Geslani, 601st Infantry Brigade tion as illegal. the shooting incident was linked to Efren said Petalvero had no nes told CMFR that Trajano advised (IB) commander, to “hold” the me- The Mindanao ComStrat and the earlier one. prior experience as a broadcaster. his editors about a week ago that dia. The journalists were not to be Policy Alternatives, the Center for Gonzales said he was pleased Petalvero was said to have volun- he would join a police operation. A “released” without Geslani’s clear- Community Journalism and Devel- that local government officials had teered to join the program and did June 4 report in Remate said Traja- ance, Espina added. opment, the Institute of War and pledged to assist in the speedy not receive any compensation for no was supposed to take exclusive When asked why they were be- Peace Reporting, MindaNews, the resolution of the case. “Kung saka- his work. Efren believes the killing photos on the raid. ing held, the soldiers could not give NUJP, and the Peace and Conflict sakali (If ever), this will bring peace may be related to Petalvero’s com- Briones and Trajano’s partner any clear answer, said Espina. Journalism Network organized the to Abra,” he said. n 26 • JULY-AUGUST 2009 CRISIS

n INTERNATIONAL Cambodian government urged to stop repression Former official Free speech advocates and press organizations led by the South- ed Mu Sochua and Ho Vann, was himself charged with defamation by arrested for murder east Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) denounced the “rapidly and palpably PM Hun Sen. He was also threatened with disbarment. Like the editor of Ukrainian deteriorating environment for free expression” in Cambodia. The Center Sam Dith, Kong Sam Onn was forced to apologize to the prime minister, journalist for Media Freedom and Responsibility is a founding member of SEAPA. and then compelled to join the ruling party, in return for the withdrawal A former Interior ministry offi- of the case against him. cial who served under former Ukrai- In an open letter to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last July 17, nian president Leonid Kuchma was they called on the Cambodian government to put a stop to the “system- The developments above seem not only to be politically motivated, arrested last July 21 for the mur- atic” attacks against the press, lawyers, parliamentarians, and human but also symptomatic of a general attempt to restrict the overall environ- der of Ukrainian journalist Georgy rights defenders which has “severely restricted the space for press free- ment for free expression in Cambodia. We note that in all their cases Gongadze in 2000. dom and political speech in Cambodia.” against journalists, the country’s political leaders have totally ignored Former Lieutenant General Cambodia’s Press Law of 1995, and instead invoked the more dispro- Oleksiy Pukach, head of the inte- Below is the text of the open letter sent to the Cambodia Prime portionate provisions of the country’s criminal code. rior ministry’s surveillance depart- Minister: ment in 2000, was arrested in July We urge the government of Cambodia to cease this campaign threat- 2009. Upon his detention on July An Open Letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen on The Deteriorating State ening freedom of expression and the fundamental rights of its citizens. 23, it was reported that Pukach al- of Freedom of Expression in Cambodia PM Hun Sen and the ruling party of Cambodia must: legedly admitted his participation 1. Drop all politically motivated charges against their critics, without in Gongadze’s killing and named The Office of Prime Minister Hun Sen precondition or further harassment; other officials involved. BBC said last July 28 that Pukach was the Phnom Penh 2. Revamp Cambodia’s rigid criminal code which contains broad one who allegedly “organized Kingdom of Cambodia and vague provisions, particularly on defamation and disinformation; the abduction and personally 3. Use only appropriate legal instruments, namely the Press Law of strangled” Gongadze. BBC also Dear Prime Minister Hun Sen: 1995, to deal with issues concerning the media; and reported investigators discovered 4. Ensure the safety and respect for the work of human rights lawyers fragments of Gongadze’s skull in We, the undersigned, representing free expression advocacy groups and advocates, and put a stop to all harassment (legal and otherwise) Kiev district days after Pukach from around Southeast Asia, are gravely concerned by a palpably dete- against the country’s media community. Any legal proceedings against confessed. riorating freedom of expression and civil rights environment in Cambo- the government’s critics should be pursued only in a transparent and Gongadze’s body—burned and dia. fair manner, under assuredly independent courts, in accordance with decapitated—was found outside the Cambodian Constitution and international norms. Kiev in Nov. 2000, approximately Since 2008, the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen has been two months after his disappear- witness and apparent party to an alarming series of crackdowns on Ultimately, Cambodia must demonstrate its commitment to its own ance on Sept. 16, 2000. Gongadze, news editors, reporters, members of parliament, and human rights de- Constitutional guarantees for free expression as well as to the Interna- publisher of the Internet journal fenders. tional Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which it is a party and Ukrainska Pravda (www.pravda. signatory. It must also begin to live up to the spirit and values now ex- com.ua), was a known critic of the We perceive a systematic attack on the press, parliament, and the pressed in the new ASEAN Charter which, among other things, acknowl- administration of Kuchma. He had legal community, all of which — taken especially with the exploitation of edges the need to uphold “respect for the fundamental freedoms (and) exposed alleged government cor- a weak and politicized judiciary — have severely compromised the envi- the promotion and protection of human rights” consistent with a prin- rupt activities in Pravda and on his ronment for free expression in Cambodia. ciple for “upholding the United Nations Charter and international law”. radio program at Radio Kontinent. Gongadze’s death has been Consider: The recent actions of the Cambodian leadership threaten the rights linked to Kuchma, whose former of its citizens, and undermine the stated values, principles, and direc- bodyguard leaked a taped conver- sation between him and then-in- • On July 11, Khim Sambo, a journalist of “Moneaksika Khmer tions of the larger ASEAN community to which it belongs. terior minister Yuriy Kravchenko (Khmer Conscience)” newspaper was shot dead along with his son over about killing the journalist. Kuchma his reports deemed critical by the government. Signed by: admitted that he was the one talk- • A month before that, “Moneaksika Khmer’s” editor Sam Dith was Nazar Patria, President, Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), In- ing but said the recording had been slapped with criminal charges over an article that suggested links be- donesia altered. tween Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong and the past Khmer Um Sarin, President, Cambodian Association for the Protection of The lawyer of the Ukraine- Rouge regime. While formal charges continued to hang over him, Sam Journalists (CAPJ) based Institute of Mass Informa- Dith was released from detention after international pressure was Virak Ou, President, The Cambodian Center for Human Rights tion, Roman Golovenko, however brought to bear, and only after he was forced to apologize to the foreign (CCHR), Cambodia said that Pukach’s testimony in it- minister. On 8 July this year, charges against Sam Dith were dropped, V. Gayathry, Executive Director, Center for Independent Journalism self would be insufficient to convict after another formal letter of apology (this time addressed to PM Hun (CIJ), Malaysia more senior officials. He explained Sen) — along with a “voluntary” resolution to cease publication of his Melinda Quintos de Jesus, Executive Director, Center for Media Free- that the passage of time and the newspaper. dom and Responsibility (CMFR), Philippines 2005 death of Kravchenko in a • On June 26, Hang Chakra, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Tedjabayu, Director for Traning Program, Institute for Studies on the dubious suicide make it difficult the “Khmer Machas Srok” was meted a one-year prison sentence. He Free Flow of Information (ISAI), Indonesia to try the politicians who ordered was tried in absentia, despite the fact that he never fled or left the Peter Noolander, Director, Media Legal Defence Initiative, Great the murder and who have evaded country. He was also fined 9 million Riel or (about US$2250), a con- Britain justice thus far. Still, Golovenko siderable sum in Cambodia, for “disinformation” and for “dishonoring Malou Mangahas, Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investiga- believes Pukach’s testimony will public officials”. tive Journalism (PCIJ), Philippines be important in terms of shedding • On June 22, the National Assembly controlled by the ruling Cam- Boonrat Apichattraison, Vice President, Thai Journalists Association light on who physically committed bodia People’ Party suspended the parliamentary immunity of two mem- (TJA), Thailand the murder. bers of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP). The move paved the way Dipendra, Coordinator, Southeast Asian Media Defense Lawyers Net- Three police officers were con- victed for the kidnapping and mur- for defamation charges brought by PM Hun Sen and the Royal Cambo- work (SAMDLN) der of Gongadze in March 2008. dian Armed Forces against opposition legislators Mu Sochua and Ho Hon. Teodoro A. Casiño, Representative, Bayan Muna Party List, Phil- During their trial, the policemen Vann. ippines House of Representative alleged that Pukach committed the • Far from stopping there, the government then also went after the Roby Alampay, Executive Director, Southeast Asian Press Alliance murder.—IFEX oppositionists’ lawyers. Kong Sam Onn, the legal counsel who represent- (SEAPA) • JULY-AUGUST 2009 27 CHRONICLE OBIT

2010 Daniel Pearl Awards ceived numerous awards of recog- the Manila Bulletin and was a col- FILIPINO JOURNALISTS may submit their best “cross-border” investiga- nition throughout his career, includ- umnist of BusinessWorld. ing Emmys and Peabodys. He was Villadolid had a distinguished tive reports in the Daniel Pearl Awards for Outstanding International Inves- awarded the highest civilian honor career in journalism. He covered tigative Reporting. Deadline is on January 15, 2010. in the US, the Presidential Medal of various significant events in the Formerly called the International Consortium of Investigative Journal- Freedom, by Jimmy Carter in 1981. country as well as in the region. He ists Awards, the biennial contest seeks to honor either a single work or a was assigned to cover the police single-subject series which involve reporting in at least two countries on a Fortuna, 61 and foreign affairs beats. Villadolid topic of world significance. Filipino veteran journalist and was able to interview and Any professional journalists or a team of journalists working in any me- political analyst Julius Fortuna died other dignitaries. He wrote about il- dium are eligible to join the competition. Only one entry per applicant is last June 23. He was 61 and was a legal migrants, the protest marches allowed. columnist for the People’s Journal of labor unions and activist groups, Two $5,000 first-place prizes will be awarded each to a U.S.-based re- and The Manila Times at the time and the plane crash that killed Pres- of his death. ident . porter or news outlet, and another to a non-U.S.-based journalist or news Cronkite, 92 Fortuna began his career in He was a recipient of the Ten CBS anchor Walter Cronkite outlet. journalism as a foreign affairs re- Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) passed away last July 17 at age 92. For application details, visit http://www.publicintegrity.org/investiga- porter for The Observer Magazine. Award in Journalism and of a Smith- Reports said complications from a tions/icij/awards/. He worked for other news organiza- Mundt Leadership grant to the cerebrovascular disease caused tions such as the defunct newspa- United States which allowed him the death of the broadcast journal- pers Philippine Tribune, Daily Globe, to stay in Harvard and visit several Rory Peck Awards 2009 ism icon. th and Manila Chronicle. He also wrote newspapers. Now in its 14 year, the Rory Peck Awards honor freelance camera- He was known as “Uncle Wal- men/women in television news and current affairs programs. Deadline is for Sun.Star Manila. ter”. Some affectionately called Cortes, 49 on September 4, 2009. him “Old Iron Pants” for his ability Former Associated Press (AP) to anchor for hours. He started a The entries must have been broadcast between Aug. 1, 2008 and July reporter Claro Cortes III died from national catch-phrase with the way 31, 2009. complications following a stroke he ended his programs with “And The international competition honors freelance camerawork in three last June 28. He was 49. that’s the way it is”. He was the an- categories: The Rory Peck Award for News (coverage of on-the-day news, Cortes was an active chronicler chor of CBS Evening News for 19 where the focus is on the immediacy of the story); The Rory Peck Award for of various political events and di- years, from 1962 to 1981. Features (news features/in-depth pieces which look beyond the immediacy sasters. He covered the last years Cronkite’s coverage of events, of the Martial Rule. He reported of a new story), The Sony Professional Impact Award (news footage which his rare displays of emotion on cam- the February 1986 snap elections raises humanitarian issues and has had an impact internationally or con- era, and his contributions in news as well as the EDSA Revolution. tributed to a change in perception or policy). gathering and reporting made him He also covered the coup attempts A special award named The Martin Adler Prize may also be given at the one of the most influential figures during the term of former president in the US news media. He was “the discretion of the trustees by the Rory Peck Trust. The award recognizes Corazon Aquino. most trusted man in America.” As a “a freelancer who has told, or played a vital part in telling a significant He reported the Baguio earth- social and political critic, he did not He was an officer of the National news story and the recipient could be a cameraperson or the person who quake which caused a landslide only pioneered in broadcast jour- Press Club of the Philippines and they have depend upon in the field—their fixer, driver or local freelance re- in July 1990. He was one of the nalism; he also tried to influence represented the organization in porter.” journalists and photographers who the decisions of US government of- the Confederation of ASEAN (Asso- The contest is organized by The Rory Peck Trust, which offers discretion- were able to record and escape the ficials. ciation of Southeast Asian Nations) giant pyroclastic cloud of the Mt. Pi- ary grants to the families of freelance newsgatherers killed while on assign- With a career spanning de- Journalists. Fortuna was a found- natubo eruption in June 1991. ment. The organization was established in 1995 by close friends and the cades, Cronkite covered numerous ing member and vice president of Cortes also worked for the widow of Rory Peck, a freelance cameraman who was killed while covering world events: World War II’s Battle Samahang Plaridel (Plaridel Asso- United Press International before a coup d’état outside Ostankino Tower, a free-standing television and radio of the Bulge, the , the Cu- ciation of Philippine Journalists), a moving to AP in 1987. He served as ban Missile Crisis, the Nuremberg group of senior journalists and com- tower in Moscow, Russia in October 1993. the head secretariat of the Foreign trials, the civil rights movement, municators. He also served as one The awards ceremony will be held on Nov. 19, 2009. For more informa- Correspondents Association of the the killing of Martin Luther King Jr., of the founders and hosts of the tion, visit The Rory Peck Trust website (http://www.rorypecktrust.org/) Philippines (FOCAP). He left FOCAP several presidential elections, the weekly forum Kapihan sa Sulo (Cof- in 2008 because of poor health. moon landings, the assassination feetime at Sulo Hotel). (Source: AP) Filipino environmental journalist wins U.N. of US president John F. Kennedy, Fortuna was a student activist fellowship and the Watergate scandal during leader in the ‘70s who opposed the Klein, 91 US president Richard Nixon’s ad- dictatorial Marcos regime. He par- A BusinessMirror correspondent won this year’s United Nations Dag Veteran journalist and former ministration. He was part of an elite ticipated in the historic First Quarter Hammarskjold Journalism Fellowship. US president Richard Nixon’s press corps of war correspondents known Storm Movement. He was an officer Baguio-based correspondent Imelda Abaño will be the fourth Filipino secretary, Herbert G. Klein, died as “the Writing 69th.” He was vocal of the militant youth organization journalist to receive the fellowship which was established in 1962, Busi- last July 2 at age 91. against the war in Vietnam and also (Nationalist nessMirror reported. She will join three other journalists from Pakistan, Klein served the Copley News- opposed the war in Iraq. Youth) as well as the Movement for Egypt and Ghana to cover the 64th U.N. General Assembly in New York, papers Inc. for 51 years. He worked Cronkite started his career in a Democratic Philippines, a multi- as its special correspondent, editor with sessions from September 15 until mid-November. journalism at an early age. He used sectoral group which fought against in chief, and vice president. His 23 The Dag Hammarskjold Scholarship Fund allows professional journal- to deliver newspapers and wrote for Martial Rule. He was a political years as the paper’s editor in chief ists from developing countries to come to New York to cover the United his high school paper. He had an prisoner from 1974 to 1981. He be- made him a known figure in San Di- Nations during the most active period of the U.N. General Assembly each early start in his career, dropping came a journalist after he was freed ego County. out of the University of Texas in Aus- from detention. autumn. He graduated from the Universi- tin to be a newspaper reporter. He Last year, Abaño received the UN Gold Medal Award on Humanitarian ty of Southern (USC) with later moved into broadcasting as a Villadolid, 79 and Development Affairs Reporting for a special coverage of the food riots a major in journalism. He was the radio announcer of KCMO in 1935. Former ambassador to the Vati- and deepening poverty in Haiti. sports editor of USC’s student pa- He briefly worked with the United can and journalist Oscar Villadolid per Daily Trojan. The university es- Press wire service and later, start- died last May 29 at 79. tablished and named a journalism Freelance community journalist is first Filipino ing in 1950, the news division of Villadolid was involved in jour- scholarship after him in 2006. EJI scholar CBS. nalism, public relations, and diplo- The political life of Klein was He retired in 1981, and later be- macy. He was the country’s ambas- A FREELANCE journalist based in Iloilo City, Iloilo province became the closely associated with former pres- came a CBS board member, remain- sador to the Holy See and Malta first Filipino recipient of the 2009 European Journalism Institute (EJI) schol- ident Nixon. He was publicity direc- ing active despite retirement. He from 1991 to 1995. He was also arship in Prague, Czech Republic which runs from July 11 to 18, 2009. tor of the Eisenhower-Nixon cam- contributed columns for the news the Philippine representative to the Rhea B. Peñaflor writes for various Western Visayas local papers as well paign in California in 1952, special website Huffington Post and wrote Asia Pacific Economic Conference as in the Consumer and Business Forum magazine. She attended a seven- assistant and press secretary of nationally syndicated columns that from 1995 to 1996. the Nixon campaign from 1959 to day intensive program of seminars, lectures and discussions about journal- appeared weekly in newspapers He also worked for various news 1968, and White House director ism with 50 journalists all over the world. across the US. organizations. He was the editor in of communications from 1969 to EJI is organized by The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) in cooperation He published his memoir “A Re- chief of the Philippines Herald from 1973. n with Charles University. n porter’s Life” in 1996. Cronkite re- 1971 to 1972. He also worked for 28 • JULY-AUGUST 2009 The Days of Cory Aquino Her political legacy deserves revisiting in some future time

heart, I was stunned by this first In time, I wrote that she alone an excellent interview; open and impression. There was wisdom in could unite and lead the opposi- honest, she would speak from her this decision to send a message tion. Her character and her in- heart. Unaided by calculated or to the Filipino people, a people in tegrity, her obvious lack of self- practiced sound bites, her flow of shock and sorrow. We could turn interest, her non-involvement in conversation expressed what she to such a person for guidance and political power games—she alone thought and what she felt, trust- LITO OCAMPO direction. We could look up to the could promise credible change. ing that this would be acceptable, n By Melinda Quintos de Jesus dignity she showed in grief and It was this which set her apart that it would be good enough for bereavement. Here was someone from other opposition leaders, pri- the people. As president, her re- he death and the funeral of Corazon “Cory” Aqui- who would not be afraid to speak mus inter pares, the first among lations with the media were prob- no indicate once again the importance of historical truth to power, clearly understand- equals. She asked that I stop writ- lematic. She was a gracious and memory. Astounded by the phenomenal outpouring ing that the injustice she and her ing about her possible candidacy. eloquent speaker. But the non- of homage and sympathy from rich and poor, by the husband suffered was also the “My family has suffered enough.” politician president was ill-at ease people’s to bear. Recalling it now, But in time, she submitted to the in the scheduled press confer- long lines of people waiting day and night to pay I daresay that was when we re- pressure of what she described ences and relied on other officials their last respects, startled by their own desire to participate ceived the first of her gifts to the as fate. to help communicate with report- T nation. She articulated this notion of ers. She shed this discomfort in in the rites of farewell, a generation born after 1983 ask of those who experienced the political tumult of the early eight- A mammoth march accompa- destiny to many people. It was the post-presidential mode. She ies to share with them what they remember and perhaps to nied the transfer of the body of part of her personal view of the activated her role as Citizen Cory, the slain senator from their home meaning of life, of all human ex- showing admirable statesman- help them connect the present to the season she graced with on Times Street to the larger ven- istence. It may have been the se- ship in her dealings with the press her gift of self. ue of Sto. Domingo Church. The cret of that awesome calm that and other politicians. I cannot trust all that I remem- Although she had political lineage long line of people who waited to many of us felt in her presence, a Her political legacy has been ber about her and about this peri- on both sides of her own family, pay their final respects snaked faith that her prayers called God written about in these last few od. I only know that I was privileged she was a familiar figure only to out into the courtyard and the always to be with her and to guide days, but it deserves revisit- to have crossed her path. After some of the older members of the streets, much like the lines which her every decision. Such contem- ing in some future time, when more than two decades, emotion press still working in 1983. The formed outside La Salle Green- plative habits are not to be found the country moves farther away may skew recollection and the re- Aquinos had been living abroad in hills and the Manila Cathedral for among politicians but it was what from her political era. There is telling may not measure up to the the last three years before Ninoy’s her wake. Ninoy’s funeral cortege steeled her will to do right and to still much work to be done to standard requirements of histori- return and death on Aug. 21. Some took ten hours to reach its des- make sure that the people’s inter- sort out the issues that made cal or even journalistic accuracy. were quick to recall that she had tination at the burial site at the ests came first. Her prayerfulness her term so very difficult, to help But even faltering memory has a served them the obligatory coffee Manila Memorial Park. Anger and rose from a sure faith which made the rest of the world understand purpose. What one remembers and beverage when they visited defiance, raised fists and protest her ready to act to fulfill God’s the dilemmas of democratic brings to life the sense of the time, the Aquino home to talk to the banners, overlaid the sadness. will. Surely, that too, was a gift to transition. The period of her the spirit informing public events, senator. So the image of an “or- Hundreds of thousands of people a people characteristically driven post-presidency should also be the force of character and person- dinary housewife” was also well marched as they would in a rally, to churches and mosques in their reviewed in greater detail as it ality of persons who determined formed in the public mind when with militant songs and fists in the every hour of need. constitutes an important part of the course of history. The genera- the assassination shattered the air. Memory blurs the occasion, And so through the series of her legacy, not just her work for tion of journalists who had Mrs. political status quo of the time. but on one of the milestones in coups launched against her, she the poor and the powerless. We Aquino as a public figure would In the days after the killing, the following year, a protest march would hold fast to the reins of need also to appreciate more not have been able to guess at the a video tape of her public state- to the Manila Memorial reached power that she did not seek, be- fully the political decisions she role she would eventually play in ment while still in Boston made the site in darkness. Surely tired cause this was her mandate and had to make after she stepped the national course of events. But the rounds in homes where we from the exertion of the demon- responsibility. Through the chain down from power. there were some of us who real- gathered to continue to share stration, she called for silence so of disasters and natural calam- I consider myself privileged ized quickly enough that she was information and talk about the prayers could be said. The throng ity, President Cory would reach to have met her, to have been a not just an ordinary person, and outrage of the assassination. The stood in a hush, holding up their out when she could to the people, journalist in a unique passage of that here perhaps was someone fuzzy image on the Betamax tape lighted candles to give homage sustaining the hope of those af- history, to have been able to fol- called to a moment of destiny. did not hide the strength she ex- to the dead and to respect her flicted with her presence and her low and keep in touch with her Married to one of the most uded in the midst of tragedy. Mrs. articulated wish. The showing of prayer. journey as a political figure. I can charismatic politicians ever seen Aquino spoke in a soft and steady her second gift, the authority of It is difficult to cover a public only thank her, for her own gener- on our political stage, Mrs. Aqui- voice, in words that were well her moral ascendancy, shone in person who is not cut out of a set ous gift of time and her trust that no had evaded the public light chosen, her countenance a mir- the midst of a thousand flickering pattern or a pre-cast mold. But her side, her story would be told that surrounded her husband. ror of her brave and courageous lights. the non-politician in her made fairly and well. n