APPARENTLY being a journalist in the Philippines has become even deadlier now that the country has changed leadership.
In a press conference last June 1, Duterte said journalists could be “legitimate” targets of assassination.
“Just because you’re a journalist, you are not exempted from assassination, if you’re a son of a bitch,” he said.
The newly-elected president classified Filipino journalists into three: the “crusaders” or those in the first class who seldom die because of their respected and righteous opinions; the “publicists” who are paid to be mouthpieces of politicians; and the “extortionists or vultures of journalism” who extort money from rogue cops and corrupt officials, thus abetting graft and corruption.
Moreover, Duterte expressed his approval of Filipino journalists killed in the past, saying that they deserved their deaths because they were “corrupt.”
Based on a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent American organization that promotes press freedom and protects the rights of journalists around the world, at least 75 reporters have been murdered in the country since 1992, many of them investigating corruption.
Journalism in the Philippines has always been tinged with unethical practices and unprofessionalism—one-sided stories, sensationalism, bribery, among others—which have stained the credibility of the industry to some people. But this should not overshadow the importance and public service that the profession is giving to the masses.
After all, in any type of work, there will always be corruption—and the mass media are no exception. But as there are corrupt people there are always those who are willing to fight them, and I still believe that a lot of Filipino journalists are willing to risk their lives to combat grafters.
Regardless, I do not condemn Duterte nor negate his statements. While I am appalled by his disturbing remarks about journalists, I believe that the right response is positive action rather than condemnation.
As a fresh graduate of journalism and an aspiring member of this profession, I admit that Duterte’s remarks gave me fear and uncertainty about my future.
But more than a threat, I consider his remarks as motivation and a challenge to do well in the field and uphold all the ethical principles that my beloved University and the Varsitarian has taught me.
Without the values that UST and the “V” has equipped me with, I would have probably practice another type of profession, which would probably keep me away from criticisms and, worse, from death. But because of the love for journalism and the experience that I acquired from years of being a part of the student publication, I know that I cannot go wrong.
The V has opened my eyes to the reality and the difficulty that I will encounter in journalism—from having a “nose” for news to gathering information, dealing with sources, writing responsibly and having an open mind for criticisms.
Perhaps the most important thing that I have learned from my two-year stay in the V is that journalism is for risk-takers.
More than the skills in writing, correct grammar and social communication, journalism requires a strong heart and a keen desire to unravel the truth for the benefit of society.
Journalism is a form of public service and it cannot be intimidated by any kind of threat or criticism. People may not always appreciate the “truth” that the media is giving them, but reality, more often than not, is really hard to accept.
Duterte’s statements did not scare the members of the profession who know that what they are doing is right and just, those who are always willing to serve the country and expose the truth no matter how ugly it is.
Real journalists do not walk away from a challenge. Instead, they become stronger and fiercer in every challenge that they encounter. Good journalists are fearless; they are brave-hearts.
To my fellow future journalists, now is the perfect time to put into practice everything that we have learned from our training in journalism school and the campus press.
Let us use our pens to properly influence others and contribute to the “change” that every Filipino hankers for.
There is nothing to fear if you know that what you are doing is right.
