The Vice President continues to do things that further disappoint Filipinos. Like her recent remarks on the quality of journalism in the Philippines saying it is “low” compared to other countries. But Miss Vice President, the real problem in this country isn't the media and journalists—it's you.
It took many years before freedom of the press in the Philippines was finally secured. One of the most violent periods was during the martial law era. According to EBSCO, roughly 8,000 media workers lost their jobs due to the sudden closure of news organizations and more than 34 journalists were killed.
At present, many media personalities are becoming the face of democracy in the country. We have Ms. Jessica Soho, Kara David and other journalists who, besides working inside media studios, genuinely reach out to the masses to expose the problems the government has failed to address. Therefore, journalism in the country should not be considered ‘low’, as the vice-president claims.
The Vice President also added that it’s a good thing there’s social media, where the truth is more apparent from people’s own words. This statement is baseless and unfounded, as everyone knows that a hodgepodge of opinions from social media cannot match the news coming from the report of real journalists. As a government official, she ought to be one of those supporting freedom of the press, yet her current actions are the very opposite.
On the other hand, we cannot deny that social media has now become part of our everyday lives, even when it comes to getting news. However, not everyone can be a journalist. Not everything on social media is accurate or trustworthy. So, in an age of disinformation, journalists are the only ones we should trust—not the contents or opinions of random people on the internet.
We have fought long years to achieve free press, and it cannot be sullied by the filth of words or criticism from anyone, not even the Vice President. In her current actions, alongside the impeachment she is facing, what she needs the most is not just character development, but also leadership improvement. So she can have something to prove in the field of service and not just disappointments.
Written by Insight PH
Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
