Philippine Journalism OUT OW, sere ee ney INSIDE: Covering APEC Media as eran cou Jalosjos and Media Media and Economic. TV ieyaILeh eels)| EXECUTIVE EDITOR Melinda Quintos de Jesus MANAGING EDITOR LvisV.Teodoro STAFF Robert Jaworski L.Abuiio Earl Warren B. Castillo CONTRIRUTORS Dr.Edilberto C. de Jesus Jemileen U. Nagai PHOTOS Joan Bondoc ART & LAYOUT Darwin M. Guerrero EDITORIAL SECRETARY Carol M. Paragele | reine Jowrsstiom ewewispubishes quart by the Center for Media Freedont and Responsibility (Gemely Nation Media Cound), Plane | addres ‘al subscnipron mal to the Philippine Journalism Review ] commercial. 9 “Find the rurtle” could very well doaiy (October 3). Bueit an the same format on October 4 again with the same car ad on the same spread. Obviously, a newspaper depends on advertising for its Ifeblood, But advertising should take second place to the editorial have been the caption title ofa Manila Times front page photo on November 5. The caption: “Work of Art. ‘A human being and a turtle could be seen from this close-up view of the petroglyphs in Angono, Rizal” Unfortunately che photo also includes a petson on his knees beside the rock with the petroglyphs. With the inclusion of the person, itis rot clear where the reader should be searching for the turtle, snes the angle ofthe picture does not quite show the pettogyphs clearly enough to reveal the drawings of the turtle and the human being. At firs glance, the markings look only like cracks on the rock, A better photo should have been chosen, or the Times’ capeion writer should have indicated wiere the turtle and human being are in the petroglyphs. ‘The way the picture looks, the reader is thrown off by the real human being on the left foreground. Photos—especially those used in the front page—shoutdnt leave readers guessing. @ ‘The Envelope, Please’ (Old habits die hard, Last December 4, three dailies reported on the alleged bribe attemptboy Alberto ‘Amber’ Anconio’s exmp which held a prest conference the cay before, Antonio has been accused of killing ArnulfoTuadles during an altercation at a club in San an lase November. Antonio's lawyer Rodolfo menez denied reports that they had proposed a P 15 maillion sotelement with the family of the slain former cage. Among five broadsheets which carried an update on the’Tindlescase, only theee (Inquirer, Times and Standard) published reports on the ‘envelopes’ at che Antonio presscon Why only three when, according to the Standard, there abour 30 reporters. present? Whar abour other newspa the represented by their reporters? According 1 the three owspapers’ reports, envelopes containing money ranging from P 500 co P 2000 were distributed to reporters and. photographers while Jimenez briefed press people on the veracity of reports on the settlement. The bill were enclosed in a white envelope plced in a larger envelope containing Jimener’ press statement with che leterhead Rodolfo Jimiener Law Office? Inquirer photographer Joan Bondoe took a shot of a P 1,000 bill, envelope and all which the paper published on its front page. Ocroger - DECEMBER 1996 PyR 11 The ‘Times identified a public relations person named Edinel Calbario as the one who dist the money. ‘A.source disclosed that a photographer fron a tabloid who arrived just after the briefing ended even approached Calbario and said he still didn't have a copy of Jimenc2’s press release. When Salbario gave him a copy of the one-page statement itself, the reporter asked for'the one in the envelope? The following day. Calbario denied being a PR aide of Jimenez or Antonio, according to reports in MT. and PDI. She also denied ibuted ‘No Sino, shat she distributed bribe poney to journalists who covered the prescon. “There was no such thing as bribe money. Ie was for a courtesy ‘meal customarily served to members of the press who attended the press conference,” Calbario said, “Only those wino were late wore given meal money. There was no intention whatsoever to influence members of the media to be partial to the Antonios, cannot refake £0 help thens when they asked for my assistance concerning the press conference.” she added. ‘While Jimenez adinitced that the one-page press statement came from his office, he disowned involvement in the bribe attempt. {had nothing to do with the alleged pay-off and was not aware of what happened before, during, and after the press conference.” he said Jimenez denied Calbario was ‘connected with his office. Calbario admitted Jimenez had no knowledge ofher act. (Inquirer, December 5) Jimenez withdrew as counsel for Antonio last December 4 after reading reports on the bribe axtempt which appeared in the three chilies. ‘A number of newspapers in ‘Metro Manila have made serious efforts to counter ts kind of payola” journalism. Those conducting press conferences should take note that any kind of money distributed to journalists as PR is bad form and can only be understood as 2 “bribe” of “pay- off? ‘There are still journalists who expect the envelope when they attend press conferences, But itis 4 habit that should be stopped. ‘on the other side of the news should also learn to break the habit, ¢ Those Queues and Robberies Do people get in line when a bank robbery is in progress? ‘A BusinessWorld story on the first page of es Banking and Finance section hast October 30 ("Which ATM sites have the heaviest volume of ransactions?”) thought so. Its lead read: “Don't panic if you pass by China Bank’12 PR Octoser - December 1996 Novaliches branch and notice a long Its not bee gueu ink wbbery is taking plae, bur people are simply lining up Jor the hank’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM), (jtalics provided) People in a bank don't line up when a bank robbery is taking place, they're told to either all lie on the floor, or are huddled inn a corner. Kibitzers or plain by-standers who hang around any scene of excitement usually don't get in line. ‘One would chink that most would not to go anywhere near the bank if they realize itis being robbed. The really curious few who are able to muster enough courage to eavesdrop will mill around the bank’ windows. They won't get in line. Perhaps, the writer was arying to make the article more interesting. ‘The resulr, however, wasa disaster a ie Eyenini ae APEC opens membership Wrong Teaser Photo Ie was one of the Evening Paper's special weekend issues on the recently conchaded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, yer it did not em as special for EP’ proofteadersasa teaser photo showed. ‘The extreme left of the teaser section below the masthead of EP’. November 23 issue read“Alanis Morissette in Manila” but the accompanying photo was anything but Morissette’. Te was a photo of local star Regine Tolentino. Morissette, a Canadian rock singer ‘who has gained international fame for her angst-laden music visited the country lis: November for a onc~ night concers Either the paper didn't have publishable photos of Morisette, prompting them to use Tolentino’. as a subscieute (afew might say Tolentino bears fant reseniblance to Morisstt:), or EP's proofieaders were sleeping on the job Big names, whether in the world of politics. the arts or show business, deserve correct notation. Tolentino had any part to phy in Morisseze’s concert, this should have been explained in the teaser. Tolentino, once hosted a + program on MTV-Asia,a. Singapore music video channel on cable television. EP. fortunately corrected its mistake the following day (November 24) in another special sue on the APEC. The erratum vwas placed in its teaser section with the correct photo of Morisset, the erratum read: “Will the real Alanis Morissette please stand up? Sorry, but wwe had the wrong photo yesterday. That lovely lady was veejay Regine Tolentino” Monitor Two kidnap victims killed wi) No Ifs and Buts, Please In a real-life hostage drama wherein her life was put on the line, Mary Jane Laurios lost consciousness, probably her love for her husband who took her hostage, and her turtesy of a TODAY photographer and the newspaper’ editors, who decided that it was not bad taste at all to show the hapless victim in an embarassing predicament—and on the paper Metro page in its November 19 issue € Nowhere Bridge On December 13, most of the major Metro Manila-based newspapers featured photographs of a bridge that collapsed as a 10. wheeler truck was trying to cross it Although all the captions of the photographs identified it as the ‘Maceda Bridge, these cited various locations. The Inquirer pinpointed the place as“Dofia Marciana Subdivision, Valenzuela, Bulacan” The Times was more accurate in naming che municipality’ regionalalflation as it reported that the incident took place in *Valenzucla, Metro Manila” (italics provided) However, the details other newspapers mentioned sn their captions further confused readers wino are not so knowledgeable about geography. The Star said the broken infrastructure was located somewhere “near the boundary of Valenzuela and Caloocan (City) Both the Chronicle and the Journal had a sight variation on that, and said chat Maceda Bridge “links? Vi flenzuch and Caloocan Ciry TODAY was 4 little more off than the others when it suid that the bridge “linksValenzuela, Meto Manila wo Novaliches, Quezon City” Media should help change the general lack of public awareness or regard for geographic locations and directions. Nowe the common habit of giving Aietion without rept to compass points, e.g. "binda banda riya” The location in this should have also included the road/highway which the bridge conneess. The problem lies in the fact that editors cend to treat captions with less care that they do news and feature articles ‘Hag anna bana bon, Bay. Capeions require accuracy too. (S)coup ‘Onn when an doube’ is one of the general conumandments of the newsroom, Publish only sories shat are verified, or run the risk of Ocrorer - DECEMBER 1996 PRR 13 printing a fase report. TODAY did not heed this rule and took the risk when it ran a report, ut October 10, on the Senate coup that ousted then Senate President Neptali Gonzales and installed Bmnesto Maced as its new chicf. With “Laban, NPC senators mount another coup” for a kicker, its head read “Maceda new Senate The report was published as the paper’ front-page lead story for that dite. “The story's lead was uncertain and TODAY would have done well to delay its publication of the story afier the fact of the event, Maceda being sworn in as Senate President, TODAY knew of the resolution chief” TABAN, NPC SENATORS MOUNT ANOTH! oe new s v Senate chie being signed to oust Gonzalez and oon the basis announced the coup as fact, but it chose alo to play it safe by expressing a degree of uncertainty in reporting, “In a meeting among top officials of the Senate, what has long been talked about has finally happened: Sen. Neptali Gonzales appears to have bon ousted as Senate President a second time, to he replaced by Sen. Ernesto Maced.” (jtalies provided) TODAY was fortunate the coup succeeded, as shown by newspaper reports the following diy (October 11). But the sory was anticiparory, projecting an event that had yet to happen in terms of the actual time, The coup afterall thas to be foremally accomplished in the parliament, even if it was a done deed in the back rooms If it was uncertain about the outcome of the power struggle in the Senate, as indicated by the ‘words “appears to have been “ousted,” it should have reported the story as something that had yet to eventuate during the day. At press time, the news was that Gonealez was to be aaa, ousted from his pos. ‘That would have been scoop enough. But haere was a case ofa headline preceding, the actual event 1 anything had happened beewwen plot and coup, their story would have tuned out w bea false report. Ies fourth parageaph gave the impression that the event had yet to happen: “The coup plotters called for a ‘reorganization of the Senate leadership’. The new alliance will fring wogether scalwarts of LDP and NPC...” (italics provided) If TODAY was confident in its source who revealed the done deal that was the Senate coup, it=pyR Ocroser - DeceMBER 1996 - should have consistently used the past tense. It should have also done away with the earlier mentioned phrase in its lead that strongly indicated doubt Moreover, TODAY should have explained that the coup was, technically, a fait aaompli after the renegade senators signed the resolution supporting Maceda the night before and that only the formalities, one of which was swearing Maceda, remained. All broadsheers including TODAY (Manila Standard, Evening Paper, Philippine Journal, Manila Chronicle, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Times, gender oF. watch) Take-home | Girls? Manila, the Country? Philippine Star, Business Daily and BusinessWorld) rin fiont page stories of the coup with the majority using front-page photos of Maceda being sworn in ‘Moreover, all except EP and the Star had atleast one accompanying story All the Business Daily and EP published the development as their front-page lead story. TODAY was inconsistent in its reporting of the story.@ except Caption titles which attempt 10 inject humor are quite welcome especially in the case of exciting subjects like sports However, not all turn out as funny as they try to be, especially if they reflect what has come 10 be called the objectification of Take an Evening Paper photo caption title which appeared in its sporss page last October 9 featuring 20-year old American golfer Tiger Woods: “BUT HE DOESN’T GET TO TARE HOME THE GIRLS”, The photo showed Woods posing with two female dancers with his teophy after winning his first pro tourname ‘Vegas Invitational. The title brazenly depicted and portrayed the women dancers 1m the photo (as well as women in. general) as simply objects. What were they aphies forthe aking to? in the Las Words or names with mukiple meanings should be used clearly, especially in hheadling they can give muxed message Ofen, the harried daily reader, does not go beyond heads of stories che when scanming the morning paper. Last Nov. 9, the Philippine Daily Inquirer failed to make a clear distinction of what meaning the word “Manila” took in the b its sory on pop icon Michael Jackson: “Manila bans Michael Jackson concer” Manila” 3s not onl the news to refer to one of of the National Captial Region (NCR). Media also use che name to refer to the N importantly, at times, even the whole country. The latter is especially evident in ased in) he ities R itself ox, more applica the case of international news that involves the Philippines (ex, diplomatic negotiations on territorial issues). ‘While the story was really about Manila Mayor Alfiedo Lim prohibiting Jackson$ performance in his city, its location on the front page could have given the idea that the whole Philippines, through iss turban capital Manila, was banning the concert It would have been different, of course, if the story was printed in the Metro section with the same head,Ocroser - Decemser 1996 15 HEADLINE BOOROOS The Philippine Star, which also carried its own scory, had a clearer head: “Lim bans Michael’ concert in Manila.” The story also had an 2 companying, cattoon of the Manila mayor saying “Sorry! He (Jackson) bac!" while dropping a concert poster. Needless Overemphasis Redundancy in a headline can make a strong impact but it must be su finds effective application in the mares of cases. More offer than not, the play of words via redundancy is not as ffoctive, that this practice Last October 23, Malaya published an update con the Ramos-Horta ban as iss front page lead-story. With “No alin meddling in local polities’ fora secondary head, its headline read “Horta is barred, he stays barred FVR Malaya’ head which may serike some as.a case of clever wordplay errs in suggesting tac FVR engaged in the wordplay. If not spoken by the presidens, the redundancy i the head gave the impression ¢hat Malaya was cecitorializing by laying more stress oon Malacafang’s decision to mainain a ban on Ramos- Horta Malaya’s head would have hhad more impact without compromising balance iff used a shorter head like: “Ramos-Horta stays barred” or “Ramos-Horta barred again” Jose Kames-Horta,to recall, had been barred from entry co the Philippines in 1994 when he was invited to attend the Asia Pacific Conference on East Timor (APCET). This year, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy of East independence from Indonesin. There is no indication in Malaya’: story or in any other report in other newspapers that the redundant statement was made by the president. Blunder on Bundles of Cookies Did the headline writer of the story, “350 kilos of X'mas cookies cheer US sailors” (Manila Times, December 13), know something the other crewmembers didn’ know — an additional 30 kilos of the goodies stashed somewhere or he or she simply wast looking at he numbers? Pethaps, due to deadline pressure and the strain of nigh long copyreading, the headline writer misread the details of the Singapore-datelined wite story “Neither trade barricrs nor thousands of sen miles could stop an American mum (from) her Navy son his. favorite Christmas cookies —all 700 pounds (320 ke of them.” (italics provided) Blunders about the signified by different weighe systems indicates a disregard for sending figures accunicy in reporting. No ‘Karate Kid’ Fan Cops! ‘The headline writer for the Nov. 19 swe of the Manila Standard jumped! the jgun on the Kalookan City electorate. The lead story’ headline (Caloocan mayor ousted”) looked more like a prediction than a stirement of fact. Although # ‘Commission on Elections upheld the petition of the Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga) fora recall el this doesn't mean Kalookan City mayor Rey Malonzo, who starred as the Pinoy Bruce Lee in the movies, is automatically out. fe has w lose the poll Gist before he’s ousted. The Standard’ subhead, “Comelec sets special election on Dee. 14," was more like i. Off-tangent On October 5, the Philippine Daily Inquirer published as its front page lead story a report on Manik16 PRR Ocroser - Decemser 1996 HEADLINE BOOEBOOS Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin’s pastoral statement on child abuse. But the headline highlighted the Cardinal’ view on the issu of Charter amendinents. With “Sin says Charter plor gravely sinful™ for a head, the reader would have obviously expected the story to elaborate on the cardinals: statement on the ‘sinfalnes’ of revived moves to amend the Constitution, However, only the first ewe paragraphs dwelt on the subject. The rest of the story subsequently dealt with his views on child abuse with references to the Jalosjos and Alonte cases. The article leaves the reader wondering whether the pastoral statement also touched on the issue of charter amendments and if there were some kind of explanation of why charter amendments are “sinful.” ‘The nither long article does not go back to the issue of charter amendments arall Of eight broadsheets— including the Inquirer—which carried updates on the Charter issue (Manila Standard, Manila Bulletin, Manila Chronicle, ‘TODAY, Philippine Journal, Manila Times and Philippine Star), five (PDI. Standard. Bulletin, Chronicle and Times) published respective reports on Sin's pastoral statement on child abuse. ‘Compared to PDI, however, the other four chose to give prominence to Sin’ views ‘on child abuse both in their heads and stories themselves which was obviously the meat of Sin’ pastoral statement. ‘The Chronicle was the only other daily that cited Sin’ comment on Charter amendments but id so only towards the end ofthe scory, including it in the list of what the Cardinal thinks as “gravely sinful.” PDI should have cited Sin’ statement, instead, in one of their updates on the Charter issue (“Mayors back bid to extend Ramos’ term” / “Ramos ‘no reelection’ dared to si pledge").© = Jalosjos oath stirs tempest METRO “So what?!” may have been the immediate reaction of the attentive reader upon chancing on the headline of a newsbrief in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last October 30. Curiously titled: “Alonte: I don't wear checkered brief.” readers unfamiliar with the rape case lodged by a 16-year old gitl against Bian,Laguna Mayor Bayani Alonte may have easily shrugged off the news item as a space filler. Visibly lacking in the head was the connection between the person and his checkered underwear, though. vaguely noted in the news item itself “Alonte, who is facing rape charges filed by a 16-yeael old gicl is was yesterday told justice departn investigators that he does not wear ‘checkered briefs as claimed deny that I was by his accuser. ‘I at any time naked with the complainant of that I wear checkered briefs’ he said This ipdate on the investigation of rape charges against a public official deserved full-length treatment. Clar should never be compromised for conciseness. The Manila | Times also carried its own | sory on the case but | published i as 2 fall-lengeh report. In its own story, the 1es gave a clearer account of Alonte’s statement in the second graph which read in part: Alonte raised another defense against the child abuse charge slapped against him. He said he does not wear checkered brief, the kind of underwear which the alleged victim said she saw him wearing”paris. Ocroser - Decemner 1996 PRY A Step Ahead: Covering by Jemileen U. Nuqui 7 SUBIC Wee APEC Een ers Wein cxrr cs Oe kinkisa Aton ya a oan Bondoc OME people say you get to cover an international event like the Asia Pacific SS Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings last November only a few times in your carcer as a journalist APEC is still in its nascent stage, and analysts are “cautiously optimistic,” at best, about its prospects for success. Indeed, it was a historic event and the fact we hosted it increased its significance.18 pyR Octoser - DECEMBER 1996 Bur that significance was lost to the ordinary people in the street who donot know what those seven cays were all about. And while journalists should bbe better informed than their readers, the former had to struggle to put some coherence into something bureaucrats themselves managed to muddle in so much useless rhetoric. What went on in various meetings that began in January and lminated last November would help determine the future of the global trading order. We journalists know that, but we remain ata loss on how to prepare the public for what is to come. The difficulty of that task was evident way before APEC meetings reached their peak in November. It would be easy to blame the government group responsible for disseminating information on APEC. To be sure, information was readily available on the Internet for those who had access to this facility, and the APEC News Bureau began charming, ws releases months before the APEC meetings in November. Buc information contained in these materials normally bordered on discussions of basic information Discussions on specific topics were limited ro update on issues, with litte effort to explain repercussions on affected loeal sectors. OF course, some would argue the task of exphining these effects belongs to the journalist and not to government. But government believes APEC will benefit local sectors despite painfal initial adjusements, Thus, ‘government had an idea to sell and a responsibility to sell this idea effectively to gain public support ‘And this it did badly Casval conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, with taxicab drivers to young professionals even in businesses that will be affected by APEC, betray 2 poor understanding of how APEC wil affect theit lives or even of what APEC is all about in the first place Perhaps the government would have done better to follow up initial press releases with gular press conferences and even occasional roundtable discussions. These fora would have provided ample opportunity for journalists co discuss issues with foreign affairs and trade officials in the forefront of APEC discussions, and for these officals to get even just a glimpse of the public’s perception of APEC True, roundtables may cost a little, but developments showed the business sector was more than willing to shoulder a considerable amount of expenses{or APEC activities AAs ic turned out, the business sector was also more willing than government co discuss contentious sssues that would have been more important ehan diccussing issues marked with consensus, Perhaps officials would have been mare open to these discussions had they recognized the public’ ignorance of APEC, Ac the very least, organizers of media coverage for APEC could have made good on their offer to arrange one-on-one interviews with ¢elect APEC officials This would have provided journalists with a clearer understanding of concerns of other APEC economies and how these concerns affect our own. fn Ocroser - December 1996 PyR a9 fact, media coverage would have been better off had organizers decided to scrap cheir offer to arrange these interviews, since they epr on telling interested journalists to merely attend scheduled press briefings This took a heavy toll on exclusive stories journalists wanted badly. True, an enterprising, journalist would have been able to iget an exclusive even in a press conference. But this forum provides litle opportunity for follow-up questions withour giving away one’s exclusive angle. ‘Moreover, officials could have been more forthcoming in discussing the more contentious issues of APEC discussions. I seemed only they came close c0 believing their own statements on APEC economies being able to reach a the need to forge an Information Technology Agreement during the World Tale Organization Ministerial Mecting this month (December). While ie is understandable some facts may have to be kept from the public to avoid derailing ongoing negotiations, itis clear officials sill have to acknowledge their own responsbility to inform and explain to the public isues that affect it. This is all the more true when those issues have adverse repercussions Not even government seems fiee from confusion and contradiction in its objectives in APEC. ‘While officials kept on denying the apparent action of blocs during talks among APEC officials, one advertisement said one objective of APEC is to band developing20 PyR Octoser - Decemser 1996 countries together to give them enough clout to face industrialized counterparts in competition. One wonders how else to describe the decision of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members to push for fellow ASEAN member Vietnam’s incorporation into APEC ahead of all other applicants. Local journalists themselves, may not be completely free fom responsibility for the lack of public understanding of APEC. ‘The local media, just like any other sector, is clearly a microcosm of Filipino society’ gradual realization of the country’s role and place in the Asia Pacific affairs, Early releases on APEC, whether on the Internet or through ie ff reverter of Business World. President PV. Ramos presides on te APEC Ecoromic Lear’ Mesing (Malacanang ght)\ ve Joan Bondoc by Dr. Edilberto C. de Jesus Ocroser - DECEMBER 1996 pyR 21 4 Access to \ Economic Information nformation technology surfaced as a key trade issue in the Asia Pacific tion forum ting in Economic Cope Trade € nization m. at these two fora regarded deregulation 1 in Manila in November and in the World Singapore the following month. Participants a step towards further expanding the $500 billion commerce in IT products and services. The content flowing through the IT senior executives from Basiness, Government and the Media convened in a number of Southeast Asian capitals recently. Improving the quality of the informacion thae actually lowed through dhe well a information technology, access to this information, according to the discus important in maintaining che momentum of economic development in the region. In cooperation with parmer cach capital city. the Center for Media Freedom and pong uns, was just a8 tacions in22 PyR Ocroser - Decemser 1996 Responsibility and the Washington Sycip Policy Forum of te Asian Institute of Management convened the ‘meetings 2s part of the preparations for an international conference in Manila in 1997 on the theme of Access to Economic Information. Support for both the counery ‘meetings and the conference came from the Center for Private Enterprise in Washington, D.C. ‘The rationale for the conference proceeded from. three premises: + Sustaining the flow of investments and the pace of economic growth in the region requires attention to both the physical as well as the information infrastructure. Potential investors will consider, as part of their decision-making process, the access allowed by countries oo00 Even those in reporting on business and economic affairs. Part of the problem was recruiting and rexaining ‘competent economic and business journalists ‘Amore fandamental issue was the extent to which newspapers could maintain an impartial posture when covering business and economic issues. when they were themselves controlled by corporate conglomerates. While noting that newspapers in some countries still had to deal swith government pressure, one participant suggested chat the contest between the Press Room and the Board Room may now be the more critical bate Potential conflic-of-interes issues have to be addressed when the paper’ contwolling shareholders have a sake in a business decision or development on competing for their fands to the media which it was reporting. Participants information they would need to dth also ited th e saliency ofthe confict- understand the dynamicsofthe economy, Accepted the of interest issue even at a lower level the mules of the game, and the way the rules are modified, + The countresofthe region can Fearn need to upgrade the quality of journalists, columnists and editors may themselves have professional and business interests outside their fom cach other to improve the flow of i newspapers. What is the assurance that timely and reliable business and economic reporting these interests do not color their informacion and, thus, «© enhance the OH Business and cownge ofevens pple! sersctinsiese ey tenes economic I would be unrealistic co demand that members of the press divest themselves + Improvement requires c ion ; mperemenreequee collboston. effcirs, of any connections that may conflict among Business, Government and Media. ie di ae + Government agencies serve as go9 a authoritative sources of business and economic information. Business enterprises and the media consticute end-users, but ako bear some responsibilty for providing informacion, Media provide the most accessible channels for information, but must deliver the news in a thoughtfl, responsible and effective manner. + Participants at the meetings conducted in Manila, Singapore, Phnom Penh and Kuala Lumpur generally agreed on the importance of access to economic information, Investors would not even be in a position to commit their funds unless they had information on the country and its economic prospects. Both government agencies and business enterprises willingly spend for trade and investment missions and media campaigns to bring, information to potential investors. Nor all ofthe participants were convinced, however, that the press provided necessary or even usefl channels for economic information . Even those in ‘media accepted the need to upgrade the quality of objective reporsing of business and economic issues. But newspapers often demand, as they should, transparency in the decision making processes of government and corporate entities, Participants suggested that media establishments should also, be subject to the demand for ransparency. “Ta their credit, the people from media who Participated in the meetings accepted the questions raised about media 2s important and legitimate. Many sill believe that the press has a role wo play in enlightening the public on the issues of the day, many of which will increasingly have to do with business and economic developments. Whether media can realize this role, i competition against other sources of information and analysis, will depend on how effectively they can aciress the concerns raised by their readers ‘Dr. Edilberto de Jesus is president of Far Easter Univesity (FEU).APEC Upstaged Reprinted from the Evening Paper November 15, “ nademocncy.arge intemational event tend to draw out political protest from the woodwork. This is especially true where a high level of dissatisfaction already exists. After all what better way is there to drive the message home than to ride it om the back of a high ticket media event? Ina sense,the fury of NGO protest activity provoked by the APEC sununit in Manila is par for the course. But it has done soto a sarding degree, Irs been 2 long time since anything, has ‘worked tp so much griefand grievance for public demonsration and display. And the media ate Iapping it up. Ironically, APEC news itself tends to be quite dull Journalists are necessarily limited in their access to official proceedings and are forced to quickly distill documents into reachble, hopefilly, also interesting or relevant accounts, APEC mectings are a forum for agencla-serting. The resus ‘ake on meaningful action after and beyond the foram, to be tracked in shifts and changes that are meant to adjust national economies to globalization, orin strategies that will hone the competitive edge that more successful trade regimes have already attained, The APEC eventivelfis a declaration of intentions,a projection of the fire, and that isa lide hard to do when the area of intention resides in economics and trade. Thus, coverage is generally forced to highlight dhe ceremony and the color of the occasion. Remember the batik shirts ‘worn by heack of tate in Bogor? Aer so many sach sidelights, however, things get to be really ho-hum. Bat with Manila as APEC hos, the sound and fury in the streets oF in non-government parallel meetings now promise to tupsage the action in the official ST Dees Octoser - Decemser 1996 PyR 23 venues in Subic and in the PIC. ‘The prospects of protest action mounted by NGOs and a range of other NGO activites have news organizations scrambling to field mote reporters to cover these side events than those assigned to cover APEC itself, ‘The mood borders on hysteria Cyberspace on APEC claters with inflamed position papers. Government action has not helped with its hasty demolition of squatters in line with sprucing up the city for guests. The notion that a congested, crowded city with its swarm of poor people can quickly emerge as a Cinderella host-city with no slums is ont of ouch with reality. ‘This city is difficult even for its own residents who are used to its daily discomforts and cruel inconveniences. To show hhow much progress has been achieved, government abo has to tel the truth abour how maich more needs to be done. IF it could not do this with honesty then ie should have decided to forego the glory of this ever It has not helped that in the week preceeding the affair the media have immersed the public in a confusing melee of messages, suggesting close connections between the APEC agenda, the struggle of East Timor, the housing needs of Filipino poor, and human rights in general. This is noe to suggest that these issues are not valid, but that they should be presented as evils wrought by APEC is to mislead. With Protesters from Mania march along San Femando, Pampanga on their way to Subic to dramatize their oppotifon againet APEC. (Boy Eecianda)PR Ocroser - Decemser 1996 report limited t0 a rote accounting of ideological | propaganda, the media are once again missing the opportunity to educate the public. Globulization and free trade are issues that the public need to underscand, because their implications are far-reaching, with negative as well as positive effects on ordinary people and how they live. These realities pose dllemma for policy-makers in couniries lke the Philippines who have to contend with dual economies, An informed public needs to undersand the underlying tension of the policy clalogue the contending values of borderless crac, equity and sustainable development. ~ to appreciate the significance of APEC as a regional Unfornmately the media have glossed over this suxbtantive process. an effort which has engaged government as well as NGO communities. An cxception to the rule, the four-part report of Dennis C. Serfino in The Evening Paper, “Civil Society in the APEC Process," points out that a major coalition of NGOs had chosen to participate in the drafing of country position for incorporation into the Declaration of APEC Leaders. Others have opted to be on the ‘outside as a critical force. ‘The jargon may cum offa lot of people, Such ‘material cempts journalists to hype the confiontation of personalities rather than the substance of opposing views. Bur the technical terms need to be explained in order to ‘open up the APEC controversy to public understanding, Rather than concentrating on confrontational tactics, reports need to focus on the different parallel conferences asa mirror of the NGOs'separate and contrasting approaches toward APEC. Dennis Seefino’s aticles provide a useful preliminary guide to what these actvitics realy mean, It lo opens a window on the policy debate within government asi studied the best ‘way co respond (o the challenge ofthe future. In the meantime, the public should not allow the media_and themselves to be disracted and derailed by the sideshow, official or unofial. Ie should lear to set aside the simplistic propaganda, official of unofficial A five people should be enlightened abour what lies aheacl, Filipinos need knowledge and information so they can cope with che problems as well as cake advaniage ofthe opportunities of inevitable change. They should not be short-changed by the media which tend to coast on the wings of press feedom.© | Reprinted fiom the Evening Paper, November 29, 1996 by Melinda Quintos de Jesus the broadcast coverage of the APEC summnii. Hound it too painful to watch the furnbling and Aoundering of commentators and interviewers. Tt has I tnuuse confess that I found it hard co stay put with been noted by other quarters that Philippine television had failed miserably to rise to the challenge of covering suclyan event. Obviously, these kinds of meetings put media, both prine and television, w the test, But icis television that gets the greater chance to shine or display its basic lack of ability. The poor people assigned these sorry jobs to try and be knowledgeable and credible about trade and economics are not entirely to blame. They should have been given rash courses in the use of the terms and the context in which questions could be framed. They should have been given quick seminars that will at least walk them through the landscape of economic concepts and the issues surrounding the proposed agenda of free trade, Even these abbreviated lessons take time, which, obviously these ‘TV personalities were not given. This is not che sore of thing that works on quick study. There are few commentators who can be credible on this sort of sscues. To fill up airtime, most talking heads tend to overtalk the subject to death, while directors frantically survey the feld for something visually interesting. The result is the kind of discussion that is filled largely by rote recitations of phrases picked up from documents released for their instruction, Ata certain point, everyone looks and sounds terribly sired ~ but they never seemt to know when to stop. ‘An event that opens. up so little for coverage should have relied on approaches other than round-the-clock coverage. Economic me igs re culminating high points of long discussions that have already taken place. Television should have given more time to pre-planned roundrable formats conducted by well-instructed and well-rehearsed moderators or to documentaries that create story lines around various views held by experts as resource persons. Some of these could have been pre-produced as discussions surrounding the evens, supplemeneing live reporting, usefal during those periods when the24 PyR Octoer - DECEMBER 1996 reports limited to a rote accounting of ideological propagindh, the media are once again missing the ‘opportunity to echucate the public. Globalization and free cade are issues that the public needs to undersand, because their implications are far-reaching, with negative as well as positive effects on condinary people and how they live, These teaities pose dilemmas for policy-makers in countries like the Philippines who have to contend with dual economies. An informed public needs to understand the underlying tension of the policy cialogue -the contending values of | borderless track, equity and sustainable development ~ to appreciate the significance of APEC as a regional iniheve Unfornnately the media have glosied over this susbrantive proces, an effort which has engaged government as well as NGO communities. An exception to the rule, the four-part report of Dennis C. Serfino in The Evening Paper, “Civil Society in the APEC Process.” points out that a major coalition of NGOs had chosen to participate in the drafing of country position for incorporation into the Declaration of APEC Leaders, Others have opeed to be on the ‘outside asa critical force, The jargon may tun offa lot of people, Such muteria tempts journalists to hype the confrontation of personalities rather than the subsance of opposing views. But the technical terms need to be explained in order to open up the APEC controversy to public undersanding. Rather chan concentrating on confontational tactics, reports need to focus on the different parallel conferences asa mitror of the NGOs'separate and conirastnig approaches toward APEC. Dennis Serfino’s articles provide a usefil preliminary guide to what these activities relly mean. Ito opens a window on the policy debate within government as it studied the best \way to respond to the challenge of dhe future. In che meantime, the pablic should not allow the media and themselves to be distracted and derailed by the sideshow, official or unofiial. It should lean to set aside the simplisic propaganda, official or unofficial. A fice people should be cnlightened about what lies ahead, Filipinos need knowledge and information s0 they can cope with the problems as well alee advantage of the opportunities. of inevitable change. They should nor be short-changed by the media which tend to coast on the wings of press ficedom. [Roprinted fiom the Evening Paper, November 29, 1996 by Melinda Quintos de Jesus I ‘must confess that I found it hard to stay put with the broadcast coverige of the APEC summit T found it too painfil to watch the fumbling and floundering of commentators and mterviewers. It has been noted by other quarters that Philippine television had failed miserably to rise to the challenge of covering such an event. Obviously, these kinds oF meetings put media, both print and television, to the test. Bur itis television that gers the greater chance to shine or display its basic lack of ability The poor people assigned these sorry jobs to tay and be knowledgeable and credible about trade and economics are not entitely to blame. They should have been given crash courses in the use of the terms and the context in which questions could be framed. ‘They should have been given quick seminars that will at lease walk them through the landscape of economic concepts and. the issues surrounding the proposed agenda of fice trade. Even these abbreviated lesions take time, which, obviously, these TV personalities were not given, This is not the sort of thing that works on quick study. There are few commentators who can be credible on this sore of issues. ‘To Gill up airtime, most talking heads tend to overtalk the subject to death, while direczors frantically survey the field for something visually interesting. ‘The result is the kind of discussion that is filled largely by rote recitations of phrases picked up from documents released for their instruction. Ata certain point, everyone looks and sounds terribly red ~ but they never seem to know when to stop An event that opens up so litle for coverage should have relied on approaches other than round-the-clock coverage. Economic meetings are culminating high points of long discussions that have already taken place. Television should have given more time to pre-planned roundtable formats conducted by well-instructed and well-rehearsed moderators or to documentaries that create story lines around various views held by experts as resource persons, Some of these could have been pre-produced as discussions surrounding the event, supplementng live reporting, useful during those periods when theKaya nga! activities go on behind closed doors. ‘Unforsunately.so many TV announcers treated the event as. though it were an election or convention, buttonholing people in the corridors for a quick comment. Fortunately, there were more things to cheer about APEC than the dismal performance of the Philippine media. T caught a BBC television report on the APEC. summit, one that showed the protest caravan as it made its way through che highway, spliced with some close-up shots of che marchers holding up posters and slogans. ‘The brief account held up the flipside of the event, the street scene a contrast to the grand coremonies which surrounded both ooo government and business meetings. The Philippine story was followed quickly by a report on the ongoing political crisis in Pakistan, with the camera zooming in on a swarm of pushing, jostling and reaching crowds at a politieal rally of beleaguered Benazir Bhutto. “The international reports | caught did not sing praises for this or that Philippine official. Ie may have been completely unintentional, but the two stories on the Philippines and Pakistan together simply showed how far the Philippines has moved from the Crisis years of transition, proving how well we have weathered the test and trial of democratizatio Despite the problems raised by such a system, we have stood by this commitment, proving a degree of resilience and stability in the midst of vigorous and open criticism of government. T daresay that the protest activities accompanying APEC proved a real boon to government, allowing government to demonstrate how effectively it wields its policy of maximum tolerance in dealing with dissent (On the part of the protest organizers. they had by then wisely sifted their strategy and focused their message ‘on the relevant issues of globalization and trade relied on oo0 An event that opens up so little for coverage should have approaches other than round-the- clock coverage. Octoser - Decemper 1996 pyr 25 liberalization. NGO activities forced out into the public forum the kind of questioning. that has been going on even within government. One detects a greater seriousness government approach to hosting international events, moving away from the “just-give-them-a-good-time- and-shower-them-with-gifts-galore” attitude which governed the international hosting of the Marcoses. The people in charge properly gave greater emphasis to organization, organization, organization, The media scenes of the meetings showed the high level of management and organization given the summit. Ieis, to my mind, the best kind of PR, the kind that emerges when Filipinos do their thing and do it well. Its the only kind of PR that the really works, more effective than anything that could have been cooked up by hot-shot advertising or PR campaign Once again, we've surprised ourselves! Because the APEC summit called for all those things we find so scarce on ordinary days, no one expected the event to go as well ast did. We have gotten so used to inefficiency, to cosmetic, half-baked solutions, to lack of follow-up, to people walking away from their watch, that most of us who could only watch the preparations from a distance half-expected something to go terribly wrong. But nothing did ‘Thanks to APEC, there is greater confidence now in the capacity ofthe Filipino to take up with seriousness the mundane and tedious task of organization, to give to the seemingly unimportant bbue critical details the attention and follow-through that make all the difference in the outcome. Would it bbe too much to ask to make this the permanent custom of governance and public service, not only for our guests but for ourselves as well2®22pR. Ocroser - December 1996 he Jalosjos case and media: The Perils of Reporting on Sexual Crimes ae by Earl Warren B. Castillo SAIDATON . ee confront Jalosjos Girl must co) He said hes, makeme ne “ERVTEW told him ce INTERVIEN, “He said he was 4 £9 \ in Vs vEARS ‘ra, De Venecid | 2% wrimages for 98 "| Some stories demand graphic reportage, but the question is, just how much is enough? of the rape case lodged by an eleven-year old git] against Rep. Romeo Jalosjos (NPC, Zamboanga del Norte) has once again brought co the fore the question ] etails make for credibility, but how much is really necessary? Media's coverage es against women and minors. of how far media should go in its coverage of crin Not a few eyebrows were mised when the Philippine Daily Inquirer came out on Sept. 20-22 with an exclusive three part question-and-answer interview with the git.‘Though other media ourfits were also hit for what hhas been regarded as their sensationalist coverage of the controversial cas, criticisms focused more on the issue of consent and the excessively graphic nature of PDI’ interview ‘A Manilla Times editorial (Sept. 24) described the three-part interview as characterized by “plain voyeurism”. The sume editorial scored what has long become common in the coverage of crimes against women and minor—double vietimiration. “What is the point of asking a rape victim to recall her trauma in lurid, graphic details over and over again on tape or before the cameras? Will this make the truch less painful for the viceim and the family?,” the editorial asked. A source who requested anonymity deplored the insensitive hbeling of the git in initial reports as an “eleven-year old prostitute”. While ensuing reports did away with the description, the label may have already “stigmatized” the child, the source said. For a child, such a label can be a burden he or she could carry until adulthood Jalosjos himself, expectedly, threw hhis own barbs at the press in a privilege speech he delivered before the House of Representatives last Sept. 23. “It is evident that the only reason why this representation has been unjustly and publicly crucified in che media is because he is a member of the House.” Jalosjos said, “Itis indubitable chat I ama victim of a vicious and collective campaign to cligeredit this institution in order to sell newspapers and some broadcast programs.” Philippine media ate also known fore a level of aggresiveness chat t00 often results in akind of harassment of crime victims. Patricia Lina, the social worker assigned, to the girl, found out for herselfjust how persistent media can be during the chiles first appearance in court. “Talagang sinundan ami ng media. Habot site ng hhabol. When we got to the elevator, one even managed. to sneak in. Nakinsap kami ne please, hutsag nang interbiyulnin yong bata. Paghaba namin at bumukas iyore Octoser - December 1996 pyR 27 elevator nandoon pa rin ang media; Luna recalled in an ineerview with the Sunday Times Magazine (Oct 6). (ialies provided) No less than Social Welfare Secretary Lina Laigo expressed disappointment over the Inquirer’ detailed interview. Laigo said that apart from revealing many details which may endanger the childs case, the Inquirer did not solicie her consent for the interview Late According to Laigo, the final decision on whether of not she would like to be interviewed still lay with the child victim. However, “what is imporcant isthe interest of the girl, IF we find that it (interview) is going to be too much, we have to ‘exercise our judgement in the case,” Laigo suid. Under Republic Act 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law), the DSWD is mandated to take “protective custody” of abused children. A confecence on crime reportage held in New York University in fact emphasized the need to solicit crime victims? ‘consent before they are interviewed “The three-part story about the child published in the Inquirer was not cleared with me. T understand that Inquirer did this early during the investigation Unforeunately, this was published after 1 made a statement not to have the child interviewed by media.” Laigo in a statement Rep. Romeo Jalosjos (Manila Times) issued on Sept. 25 said PDI, however, claimed otherwise. Admitting that the interview was made during the early part of the investigation, PDT’ edivor Letty Jimence-Magsanoe explained through a note last Sept. 27 that “the Inquirer was under the impression Laigo was informed about our request to interview. Since the child was in DSWD custody. we could not have secured an interview without DSWD clearance”28 PyR Ocroser - Decemser 1996 Laigo told PJR that while PDI may have sought clearance from DSWD's NCR regional director Mild Alvior.it should have likewise approached her office, “The DSWD is not the dizector only but the secretary as well,” she said. Affirming Magsanoc’s statement, PDI contributor Chelo .. Banal-Formoso who did the interview added that two of the git’s hwyers, Minerva Ambrosio and Katrina Legarda. were present together with some social welfare staff. “How could we interview the girl for three hours if we didn’t have clearance?” she asked. Alvior confirmed Magsanoe’s claim that the paper had clearance. PJR could not reach either of the two lawyers for comment. Formoso stid PJR was the fist publication to solicither side on the issue. Saying she interviewed the» gitl on Sepe.16 (Mondhy), Formoso said Laigo issued her order prohibiting media interviews only two days later (Sepe. 18). PDI published the first pare of the interview on Sept. 20 (Friday) “She's (Laigo) being unfair to her people because it’ like saying that they were careless.” Formoso said. Laigo said there might have been miscommunication between her level and DSWD's NCR chapter. She said her order came late becuse by the time she had issued the onder. the Inquirer had already done its interview, Too late indeed, Media ourfits started crying unfair!” when their requests for interviews were tumed down after the Inquirer was able to conduct its interview. TODAY in an editorial (Sept. 23) cescribed DSWD’ problem: “DSWD refusal to expose the young victim again to the voracity of that first and thus far only interview has drawn upon the agency stinging criticisms feom compet media outfis..whose requests for interviews have been denied. And yer there was no more reason t9 deny their requests..Food for one makes her food forall” DSWO Sec. Lina Laigo (PDI fle photo) DSWD was apparently taken over by events, Standard policy has kepe the agency open to the media. With this special case, the implications of such open-ness to media were not realized by everyone involved until it was too late, Grapnic In the same statement, Laigo deplored PDI’ graphic account, saying such details were better stid in court. Laigo eatlier said that while some searemeents of the girl could be used by the defense to its advantage, she remained confident the interview would not affect the case PJR gota copy cach of the girl’ alfidavie submitted to the Makati City Prosecutor's Office as well as Jalosjos’ “verified motion to quash” which served as his reply and noted that the third installment of the Q and A interview was included as evidence in the congressman's reply. Jalosjos allegedly submiced his motion to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on October 2: Formoso, however, said the interview could not be used in court because such material is regarded as ‘hearsay’ “How do they know [ lid not invent such details," she asked. “Kathi na Q and A account, I was still here and interviewed hex? Formoso, moreover, added hae bring: the girls story out in the open with such details even early in the investigation was intended to compel authorities to do their job and consequently avoid irregularities given the involvement of a very influential person. Were it not for the interview, the case may not have prospered, Formoso noted Justiying their publication of the interview28 pyR Ocroser - Decemser 1996 Laigo told PJR that while PDI may have sought clearance fiom DS WD's NCR regional director Mild Alvior,it should have likewise approached her office. “The DSWD is not the director only but the secretary as well” she std. Affirming Magsanoc’s statement, PDT contributor Chelo R. Banal-Formoso who did the interview added that two of the git! lawyers, Minerva Ambrosio and Katrina Leganta, were present together with some social welfare staff. “How could we interview che gidl for three hours if we didn't have clearance?,"she asked. Alvior confirmed Magsanoc’sclaim thatthe paper had clearance. PJR could not reach either of the two lawyers for nt. Formoso said! PJR. was the first publication to solicit her side on the issue Saying she interviewed the irl on Sept. 16 (Monday), Formoso said Laigo issued her order prohibiting media interviews only two days later (Sept. 18). PDI published the first part of che interview on Sept. 20 (Friday). “Shes (Laigo) being unfair to her people because its like saying, that they were careless.” Formoso said. Laigo said there might have been ommaunication between her level and DSWD's NCR chapter. She said her order came late because by the tme she had issued the order, the Inquirer had already done its interview. Too late indeed. Media outfits sarted crying nfair!” when their requests for interviews were turned down aft the Inquirer was able to conduct its interview. TODAY, in an editorial (Sept described DSWD problem: “DSWD' refvsil to expose the young victim again to the voracity of thar first and chus far only interview has drawn upon the agency stinging criticisms from competing ‘media outfits..whose requests for interviews have been denied. And yet there was no more reason to deny their requests...Pood for one makes her food fora.” DSWD Sec. Lina Laige (PDI fle photo) DSWD was apparently taken over by events. Standard policy has kepe the agency open wo the media, With this special case, the implications of such open-ness to media v realized by everyone involved until it was too late, GrapHic In the same statemet PDIS graphic account, sayin better said in court. Laigo earlier said that while some statements of the girl could be used by the defense to its advantage, she remained confident the interview would not affect the case. PAR got a copy each of the git!’ affidavit submitted to the Makati City Prosecutor's Office as well as Jalosjos’ “verified motion to Laigo deplored such details were quash” which served as his reply and noted that the third installment of the Q and A interview was included as evidence in che congressman's reply. Jalosjos allegedly submitted his motion to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on October 2 Formoxo, however, said the interview could not be used in court because such material is regarded 2s ‘hearsay’ “How do they know [ * she asked. ““Kuhit did not invent such devas? na Qand A account, I was still there and interviewed her” Formoso, moreover, added that bringing, the gitls story ont in the open with such details ‘even early in the mvestigation was intended to ‘compel authorities to do their job and consequently avoid irregularities given the involvement of 2 very influential person. Wi not for the interview; the case may not have prospered, Formosa noted, Justifying their publication of the interview,the Inquirer, in an October 1 editorial, said they published the detailed account of the child’ story “not to titilate our readers but to establish the credibility of the comphining minor” Formate revealed that the interview was originally meant to be a feature article but PDI editors decided instead on presenting the story through a Q and A interview to avoid the danger of editorializing. ‘The probable effect that reportage may have ‘on court proceedings again brings to mind the need for guidelines on the coverage of crimes. No concrete list of guidelines recognized and complied with by the whole industry as yet exist on the coverage not only of women and children but of news in general. Such guidelines are incorporated in editorial policies which vary with each media outfit, October - DECEMBER 1996 PyR 29 “Detailed descriptions may have the effect of tiillating readers and distracting attention from the substantive elements of the story?” “VIGILANTISM’ In Australia, the media are said to report only on sexual crimes like rape once a court decision has been fendered. Some observers have proposed that the country follow the ‘Australian example as a safeguard aguinse the iiscarriage of justice which may be brought abour by careless reporting in media Bat some journalists are skeptical, since the set-up assumes that the country has an goo efficient justice system, a claim PIR hus published a list of many will dispute, Nos a few pidding ta deroearc ofa” Detailed will say that the country has a aguinse women and minors in ts descriptions flawed justice system which March 1994 issue. The list was more often than not favors the drafted by journalist-partcipants in Mery have the powerful. Thus one could easily a seminar Conducted by the Center imagine how the Australian set- jo lta Preton and Rayon, etfect of up would fie in this country, ina December 1993 workshop. _titillating which brings us co the question Shiela Coronel, Executive of media’ role presitacrunnepicGee Feaders and a aleve for Investigative Journalism distracting themselves as today’s historians, (PCI), noted that too many derails in the Qand A interview may have ssiven the impression that the paper attempted 0 “sensationalize” the story."In the Q and A there would bea highlighting ofthe gory details.” Coronel said. “Journalistically, 1 would have preferred that the interview be writen out rather than (published) verbatim?” attention from the substantive elements of the story. - de Jesus ooo independent observers who document events—wallflowers in the orgy’ as one writer colorfully puts it—bur it cannot be disputed that there is definitely more to a journalists Job than just merely chronicling events. Journalists have learned that the coverage of events in Too much attention given to the specifies of the crime may blot out the larger perspective of the general siquation, a columnist noted. Resil Mojares, of the Times pointed out that"*we are faced not only with a few ‘sensational cases’ but the broader problem of rampant child exploitation in the country” Melinda Quintos de Jesus.in her media column for the Evening Paper, echoed the same sentiment: itself can do things not least of which is that of forcing/pushing the country’s inefficient justice system to work. One easily notes this not only in the Jalosjos case but in other cases that would have rather been thrown in the dustbins of legal neglect had ic not been for focused media attention. Dean Luis V. Teodoro Jr. of the UP30 PyR Octoser - DECEMBER 1996 College of Mass Communication, in a Philippine News and Peatures (PNF) article which appeared in the Manila Times (Sept. 29), traced the existence of this tendency of the press, which he called ‘media vigilantism,? to realicies that have long plagued the government. “Media vigilantism is in fact the consequence of the wide-ranging public perception chat government and its instrumentalities eannot be relied upon, and that the men and women who run them are too inefficient and too corrupt to defend the public interest.” ‘Teodoro said, ‘This view isreflected in a Manila Chronicle editorial which lambasted the chreat of some pro-Jalosjos solons to slash the DSWD’: budget: “Ifthe latest caper of some of our congressmen holds any lesson for us Filipinos. it sthis: that we cannot—perhaps even for the ‘government solely to politicians.” This, however, doesn’t mean government since the pwo are entirely different entities. It only reinforces the ooa0 “.. media was able to show that like this are happening and it there are probably Filipino moment—safely leave the business of pedophiles and that some of media should ake the plice of these pedophiles may actually be standing myth on the problem of pedophilia in the country. According to Cotonel,"‘media attention can be credited for speeding up action on the issue by various government agencies and also for raising awarenets about child abuse.” Laigo, who initially scored the press, herself expressed satisfiction over medias—especially the Inguirers—consistent coverage of the case. “What is important is that media has brought this story out in the ‘open which is good because exactly what we want to do is uke people aware dat things doesn’t choose its victim.” Laigo explained. “There's been a long-standing belief that crimes like pedophilia are committed by foreigners media was able to show chat there are probably Filipino pedophiles and that some of these pedophiles may actually be very respectable citizens of tipo it) is le» veryrespectable —# comey? Corrs sats government's watchdo eval things Just as there are always two sides Citizens of the considered, one still returns to of a coin, vigilantism also has its ” the lack of rules on reports country.’ ae downside. According to Teodoro,“It is recognized by the whole not an unmixed blessing, any form of = Coronel] __ indusery as the exercise of press vigilantism being extremely open co freedom should always come abuse, among them, for example, goa with its own restraints. De through media initiatives resulting in the double victimization of the victimized.” This is ako seen in the way media inffinge on the rights of suspects by presuming chem guilty even before ral VALUES Charges of sensationalism notwithstanding, the coverage of the case may still turn out to be a blessing in disguise, Aside fiom pushing the wheels of justice to move fastenthe spotlight of media azeention on the justice system has also shattered what has been a long- Jesus called for the identification of “commonly recognized values which would guide not only the reporting of crime, but also the handling of the information resulting from its investigation and prosecution.” Not to do so would be courting others to impose restraints on the industry. How far should media go in its reportage of crimes? Irs been said many times over, bur shall. be reiterated hhere—the country’s media are free, but nor so feee as co overstep the rights of others. Freedom ends where the rights of others begin.Octoser - DecemBeR 1996 PyR 31 Guioeunes on THE Coverace oF Grimes Acaist Women aun Minors” (Proposed by participants in the Seminar/Workshop on the Coverage of Violent Crimes Against Women and Minors, December 3-5, 1993 Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City) 1. CONSENT. Recognize the victims’ right to decide whether to be identified or not. 1. Withhold the identity of the victim and suspect (until indictment). 2. Make sure the consent given is free and informed consent. 2.1. Donot assume consent until expressly given 2.2. Determine if the vietim is in the right frame of mind to give consent. 2.3. Broadcast reportersleditors should take care that filming/ reporting/recording of such crimes do not violate the above principle. I IMAGES. Recognize the right to dignity of victims, specially in death. 1, Do not use photos of victims who are naked, scantily clad, or in otherwise degrading states, 2. Donot photograph or use photos of minors as victims or suspects. 3. Use graphics, line shots, other illustrations to visually supplement the reportage 4, Donot trivialize the r cartoons, etc. 5. Do not place reports of violence nent to pi which hoighton their titillating value 6. Do not use photos or any visual depiction of confrontations between the victims’ family, and the accused in police stations and other Jaw enforcement agencies, ity of violent crimes with the use of humor, ups and other items IIL, REPORTAGE. Crimes of violence against women and children should be reported factually and seriously. 1. Reporters should not use words and phrases witich tend to pass. [judgment on the victim and/or suspect. Ex. prostitute, pretty, sexy, former dancer, sex maniac, drug addict, etc 2. Eliminate details/descriptions which tend to titillate readers/viewers and sensationalize the story or ridicule the victims. 3. The general rule: Do not use obscene, profane, or vulgar terms in a story unless they are part of direct quotations and there is a storing, compelling, reason to use them. “(These guidelines first appeared in the March 1994 issue of the Philippine Journalism Review)32 py Ocroser - DECEMBER 1996 MEDIA AS KINGMAKER by Robert Jaworski 1. Abaiio “By the time the Americans introduced the concept of presidential elections, Filipinos were unshakably attuned fo the politics of patronage, and none of the presidents, from Manuel Quezon down to the present line, did anything to alter that. Centered on personality and only incidentally on issues, presidential elections have relied on canaidates’ image to bring in votes. This tack has never failed.” — Eric Gamalinda 1992 and Beyond: Forces and Issues in Philippine Elections PCY, ¢ 1992 media. The front and the airwaves titillate readers with all sorts of presidential dems, on \ 7 HETHER we'te conscious of it or not, coverage of the 1998 elections has started in ara d vice-presidential: d five months till the next presidential polls The power media wield has served the careers of our political leaders. Media have become veritable kingmakers bec: hannels, they are instrumental in bringing our politicans to lifeIn’s IN THE AIR Like Christmas, ele an print, radio or TY, th Consider these: In November, Vice President Joseph Estrada o hunched a radio commentary jons are in the air, Whether “presidentiables” are there, ao show entitled JEEP ni Eup over DZMM. Co-anchored by former broadeast practitioner and now Senator Orly Mercado, ically all aspects of the Filipino’s the show will cover ps is nothing, One softdrink commercial goes, “Image Ocroser - DecEMBER 1996 PR 33 hopefuls for 1998, has also received considerable media attention as a frontliner in the APEC affair. During the president’ ocular inspection of Subic before the APEC summit, he practically added another D to the four existing D’s [Defense Secretary Renato de Villa, Speaker Jose de Venecia, Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo and “di ako (then me), the latter he said was meant 10 be a joke] he considers to be vying for the presidency. And yes, that’s Dick. Then there are Senators Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Heherson Alvarez, the latest to throw his, hat into the political ring, concern like JEEP — Justice, thirst is ‘All of them have launched their Economy, Environment and hin candidacies in media way before filing their Peace. ipa ina official cancdidacies with the Comelec, The jeepney may be But when symbohie av repretens the you're thirsty masa (masses) — the vice for the president's purported supporcers. However, pundits ‘i say Erap’s JEEP is nothing bur presidency, political rab rah — JEEP for image is Joseph Ejercito Estrada for " Pee everything. Meanwhile, Senator Edgardo Angara’s political advertisement aits on prime time TV and in some movie theaters. The former Senate president speaks of ~kompetisno” (competitiveness) and highlights his stint in the field of education as his best chip, Political analysts agree that by projecting his accomplishments in the acadleme rather than his record in the Senate, oo0 Angara could shed off his politic image which turns off| many voters In the newspapers, talk about President Fidel V. Ramos term extension once again surfaced after the ‘Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders? summit, With the huge success of the APEC summit, certain quarters insist FVR. deserves another crack at the presidency This, despite the repeated announcements of | the president against a second term, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair Richard “Dick” Gordon, considered one of the MEDIA AS MAJOR PLAYER A survey on Filipino voting behavior released by the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) last Sepeember showed media and other opinion-making instizutions ate increasingly becoming a source of power that can be manipulated either for or against the democratic well-being of the electorate As the IPER study showed, Filipino voters consider the candidates’ public image, which they tay easily identify with. This image is well projected in media. ‘Advances in communication and the increasing number of Filipino household with access to television and radio have contributed to the capacity of media to decide the fate of candidates. Loreta Ann Rosiles, IPER executive director, said their findings on media is good news since other forces outside of the traditional “boss system” now influence the political decisions of the Filipino voter. The study was conducted in 16 municipalities all over che country with a total of 1,156 respondents. IPER notes that the sample municipalities is a mix of highly urbanized and34 PR Octoser - Decemser 1996 highly rural areas (as defined by government). The study alo focused on municipalities both with a history (of open legal people’ struggle and of armed revolutionary strugele;on areas that are warlord-dominated and areas where governance is relatively liberal. ‘Though media's increasing role in charting political decisions of the electorate is Tne Maxie oF Kins One softdrink commercial goes." Image is nothing, thirs is everything” But when you're thirsty for the presidency, image is everything, In one column, Conrado de Quiros of the Inquirer said media have pretty much taken over, goo evident, Rosales admits the potting the task of winning less and less in the patromge or boss system still Cemdidartes hands of the candidates and more and more in the very much embedded in the " hands of people who take charge of image. Filipino psyche, receive The IPER study confirmed that Filipinos regard Rosles, however. stesed EQngiderable | the cndidate’ party and its plavorm or program of tha a confluence of factors still governance the least, Meaning, they would decide the over-all voting tri-media consider the candidates’ image more th: behavior of Filipinos. Apart fiom 3 considering the candidates’ sand on issues. wiaivandihe ndconluewor Mileage, Former Canieec comisionce Haydee Yorn of family, church and other organizations, the characteristics of th what they indidate that can directly benefit the voter (ie. helpful, stand for. approachable, honest) and the candiate’s party and program of ooo action still give But Tess Baltazar, Konsyensyang Pilipino, an NGO advocating electoral t the boss system still plays a big role in determining voting behavior. “Mas matindi ang eight to the final decision of the voter. executive director of refgems, maintains 1 -:upit ng patronage system (boss systems). Media just ereate an environment. Thae’ as far a8 you go.” Bar aad to sy, such environment sill pays a very important role in the political decisions of the electorate ARROYO regardless of aflirned Philippine politics has been marked by an emphasis on personalities. She said candidates receive considerable tri-media mileage. regardless of what they stand for. Her observations can in fact be supported by historical evidence. Our history books will show that media helped all our presidents get into office, The election into office of President Manuel Quezon is a case in point, He projected himself as most instrumental in obtaining independence for the ured his country, consequently, his popularity en lection a8 President of the Philippine Commonwealth and the extension of his term twice. edia as the best Queron projected himself in dressed president. He lef an imprint on e Filipino as DE MLAOcroacn - Decemner 1996 PR 35 the president who wore the first qwortone shoes the _press needs to address the needs of democratic growth, country had ever seen. This encouraged local the required political maturity and quality of political manufacturers in producing copies for Manili’s young decision-making. The press should play a role in ataining men and itbecame a tars symbol to wear the same shoes. such growth, she said. A pro-masa image helped Magsaysty get 10 “The central position hel by the press in the ‘Malacafiang apart froma catchy Mambo Magsaysay Philippines places the institution 2t the heart of public hfe jingle in the 1953 elections which projected him as an the quality of which, in both content. style and discourse, advocate of democracy. Who can ever forget the line: leaves much to be desired.” de Jesus noted. “Our democracy will die, kung sua si Magsaysay” Baltazar maintains, however, that the challenge to The Mambo Magsayay jmgle was revived during the media is 10 raise di level of awareness of the public and 1986 elections and was identi with the Cory Aquino the level of political maturity of the people. campaign. By dha tne, mere afliaion with Corythe She emphasized that media should project or canchdte of he hour, was a sure icket to winning. highlight instances of political ‘Media has been manifest in our more recent aero maturity in its reportage and not elections. Thns we have movie personalities and even "Media. merely glorify personalit ‘mecha practitioners campaigning for this or that “Media should put things into candidate. should put place and guide voters to think in i In the 1992 elections, Sen. Ex ~~ Maceda, things into speak oes a ; compared Esra popularity to Megayy place and be beholden to political parties and ‘Magsaysay was a two-year congressman and guide voters rtwmlises. Media she added. secretary of national defense in the postwar era, rap ae engage in partisan pois only is tanning now with 25 years of mevies,niaybe over tO think in the they are partial wo the truth,¢o 200 movies, four yeas as senator, he’s definitly i factual data and to stories favoring better than Ramon Magsaysay.” (1992 and Beyond: right way. the oppressed and the Fas an ssn Pipi Elen PCI ¢ 1992) a90 marginalized. (underscoring provided) Gasietonpo iM abiA As iis, the way media report politcal stores and elections is ike reporting popularity contexs. That is, orm in Melinda de Jesus, said in her media column in favor of subsance; personalities in favor of issues. Unless the Evening Paper thar in 4 period of non-crisis, the clianges are stituted, Filipinos would be better left watching beauty contess, inswead. © ‘eorD0N ANOARA bE OCAMPO36 pyR Octoser - Decemper 1996 Lucena City’s DWVM-FM Bringing Women’s Perspective to the Mainstream by Robert Jaworski L. Abaiio \/ OMEN’S perspective in the news has been a concern of the Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility. In its effort to help media project women’s OMPR has been conducting issues and concern in the news mainstream, a seminar-workshop program for media entitled The Hidden Side of the News. The program started in November 1995 and will run through 1997. To date, it has brought together more than 80) broadcast and print media practitioners from the National Capital Region, Northern and Southern Luzon, the Visayas region and Mindanao.The effects of training have been manifest in some of the participants’ reporting on women’s issues especially the treatment of sex crimes of which the victims are often women, ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING Exira efforts have been exerted by radio staion DWVM-FM in Lucena City, whose station !nuanager and two anchors/clisc jocks participared in the seminar-workshop, to bring the concern of ‘women to their listeners, Lucena City is hose to a dynamic media environment. Five AM and 7 FM radio stations and three local cable television channels vie for the cityfolks’ tension. ‘Among these stations is DWVM-FM, which is 103.9 frequency on the FM band in Lucena City. The sation, which sits in the heart of Diocese of onthe ooo "The problem is packaging women as an issue so that hindi siya Lacena compound, caters to listeners of all ages. Of these listeners, he youth comprise the majority, followed bychurchpeoplea dtuturing na the station ako airs ic masses and Bible mabigat ag readings. inga listeners The station’ " facilities and aC equipmene are from goo the Diocese of Lucena. The rest of the station’s fimding comes from donations from the community and from commercial spots. Station manager Mabel Lucero says DWVM_ pioneered in alternative programming, Unlike other FM sations where the thrust is purely Octoser - DECEMBER 1996 pyR 37 entertainment, the station provides venues for public affairs programs where relevant issues can be discussed. Established in 1992, che station cested Filipino asa medium of communication in its progrims. The move was deemed risky because FM radio is known for its use of English in its broadcasts “We are guided by the social teachings of the church, Were the only FM station in the city which covers the news because we have the venue, We send out reporters to cover the news,” she said EFFECTS OF TRAINING Lucero, who also chairs the Department of ‘Communication of the Sacred Heart College (SHC), was a participane of the Hidden Side of the News training provided by CMER last March. The seminar-workshop tackled gender seusitivity and the coverage of women’ issues in the news. Lucero admits the training-seminar was an eye-opener, She ssid the discussions made hes realize the power of media, especially the broadcast media, in pushing for awareness of women’ isues, ‘Women’s issues pose a challenge because radio listeners tend to avoid issues. Issues such as politics, environment and even those which concern women are considered alien t0 FM radio, “The problem is packaging women 2s an issue so that hindi siya itucuring na mabigat ng mga listeners me," Lucero said. ‘Asa result of the seminar, Lucero said DWVM lined-up several programs to create venues in tackling women’s issues and other related points. Already two months on-air, Thank God Its Fridey (TGIF), a weekly youth-oriented radio magazine show tackles issues such as gender38 pyR Ocroser - December 1996 sensitivity, sexuality, che Michael Jackson concert which also dealt on the pop star’ alleged child molestation charges and other concerns of the youth, which make up the bulk of its listeners. The show airs every Friday at 9:30-12:00 midnight. ‘On the drawing board is a segment on pressing issues which the station plan to treat in a light way. Parterned afier ABS-CBN¥s “Star News,” the segment will tackle environmental, political, religious and other issues which concern the ‘Also at the planning stage is a newspaper column in che sister publication Boletin Lucenting, the official publication of che Diocese circulated in different parishes. The column would tackle media cedlucation by projecting the coverage of women’s point She added that with the inputs of the seminar-workshop, the station is also planning to facilitate discussion: on women's itsues. The sti she said, would help sustain efforts to create awareness on women's issues. Operating within the confines of the Church, Lucero said they find no strong opposition from the Catholic Church in their advocacy of women’s ‘We find no strong opposition from the Church except for some issues that we aso think we should never compromise — like abortion and women’s ordination.” she sad ENTERTAINMENT MEDIUM? Music still makes up the bulk of DWYMS programming, with an 80% share of programming time, while news and public affairs constitute 20%. Lucero admits that by infusing DWYMS programming with public affairs and news coverage, their audience share has naturally been affected. “Its very risky because FM is first an entertainment medium. Our standing in the ratings will be affected if we push for these kinds of programs,” Lucero said. But the gamble has paid off. Listeners remain tuned-in and even participate in phos discussions. Lucero sid that their standing in the ratings chart still aaa remains in che cop tlurce spots among the seven FM stations “If we'll nov fare high in the commercial side of Issues such as politics, environment and even those which concern media, we'll focus our energy and education, training women are 7 and research, plus our considered constant dealings ahen tom corm We wil radio. capitalize on thie strength,” Lucero goa said As it i, DWVM is no longer an ondinary FM entertainment medium. The szation produces news, and information spots it welcomes opinions and comments and allows public appearances hy its staf And it may very well serve the cause of projecting women in the news, lest on the community level, in the City of Lucena. @Octoser - Decemaer 1996 PyR 39 Licensing Journalists Last September, Samar Representative Jose Ramirez proposed a bill to screen potential journalists by giving them examinations, much like the bar and board examinations. Ramirez argued that the press needs some kind of regulation to purge the institution of its rascals and scalawags PUR reprints excerpts from opinions expressed on this issue. TODAY Editorial October 1, 1996 Rotten Mandarins nn China, during the times of the emperors, the should be held regularly to selecr the bese and brightest subjects for the purpose of serving in the imperial bureaucracy held sway. ‘The people who passed these exams and who were appointed to positions of responsibility were called mandarin. They became examples of some of the most corrupt and nuthless opportuniss in history. It tamed out that exams are useful in determining which people are sinatt—but not in detecting those imbued with the Imeldific conviction that ‘some are smarter than others.” And besides, as we have seen in the Philippines over the years, exams themselves can be rigged. Particularly when polities gets into the picture. Now;the government—as though it was not content with the burden of holding exams for most professions—wants to give tests to writers who want to write for newspapers. A certain Rep. Jose Ramirez has filed a bill chat would give the government the authority to determine who deserves a license to practice the profession of journalism. If this bill were to pass, we would be the only free country in the world whose government has the privilege of regulating the members of the press. Never mind that it has already imposed a policy requiring reporters and press photographers to accrecit themselves with the government's International Press Center.40 Py Octoser - DecemBer 1996 This move, it seems, is premised on official concern over the intractibility of the pressor at least the part which hasn't succumbed to the blanclishments of the powers that be. As asusl, the shopworn phrase “world-class” is being invoked, ‘implicitly if not explicitly: the idea being thar the press needs its own Philippines 2000, ‘There are good newspapers, and there are bad newspapers. There are newspapers that tell the truth, and which suffer from pressure because of it, and there are newspapers that sensationalize events and have to issue clarification after clarification, with nary a dine on theit gd sales. There are good writers, honest ‘media persons. and there are paid hacks and journalistic assassins. If this bill were to pass, we would be the only free country in the accredited by the government's propagancla ‘machine to continue operating. On November 2, 1972, Marcos issued Presidential Decree 36, establishing the Mass Media Council. Any media outfit that wanted to operate had to receive clearance from this body. In 1973 this was replaced by the Media Advisory Council, an entity authorized to issue “certificates of authority” to media practitioners, subject, of course, to approval by Marcos. This body was tasked with supervising all the nongovernment media, One year lacer this was replaced by another thing called the Philippine Council for Print Media, which had as one of its adjuncts the Publisher’ Association of the aa Now who are qualified to Philippines, Inc, This was tasked decerinine which newspapers and WOEld whose with “facilitating” the “enforcement which writers practice theirprofesion Government has ofthe Council for Prin «Media with probity.and which ones abuse the power of the written word? You, the reader, of course, And the journalistic community as well, Not, we repeat, not the government. All the government is capable of—and this is press. a a lot—is influencing writers and papers to adhere to the administration line. By hook or by crook. ‘The traditional political practice has involved hooking journalists through envelopmencal journalism, But there was a time, not so long ago, ‘when outright crookery, blatant repression to be exact, was resorted to by Malacafiang. This was during the Marcos dictatorship Besides oppositionist politicians and radical civilians, the sector targeted for liquidation by Marcos when he imposed martial law was the pres ‘The list of publishers and writers herded into Camp crame and Fort Bonificio reads like 1 Who's Who of Philippine journalism. Once the media were shut own, and the newspapers padlocked Marcos casured that the press would be tied down by his restrictions, Chief among these restrictions was the requirement that all publications had to be the privilege of regulating the members of the Standards—drawn up in, where else, but Malacaiang, This rigodon of bureaucratic agencies replaced the Philippine Press Institute, which was created 1964 by publishers to nase the standards of professionalism within the press. Having been established to defend the independence of the press, this organization was naturally anathema to Marcos. It would not be until 1987, when Marcos was already exiled in. Hawaii, thae the PPI was reorganized. This paper belongs :o that onganization, ‘We believe that the Filipino reader is intelligent enough to separate the journalistic sheep from Malacafiang's goats, and chat you, our readers, are the ultimate judge of our work, just as you are the people for whom we work to bring the news. We work with you, and for you, to reveal the truth and clarify issues, ‘We are content with protecting the standards we have set, We don’t need a proliferation of corrupt oo mandarins who owe their carcers to government examiners—a notoriously unprincipled lonReprinted from the Evening Paper, October 4, 1996 nn the halls of Congress, an idea fiom che Marcos I past rears its ugly head once again, That idea has been dressed up wich words of concern for quality pres, for professionalism in the press, for a disciplined and responsible press, But the idea simply gives all of the above a bad name. Congressman Jose Ramirez has called for a system of testing for the profession, much like the bar and board examinations, a system of licensing for the practice of journalism. He presents his case as someone ‘who has been wronged by the press, someone whose reputation has been damaged by what he describes as Uunfair comment and inaccurate reporting on the part of the press. Congressman Ramirez. was among these named for misuse of “pork barrel” finds. He is careful to note that there are good people in the press, Journalists who are responsible and credible. He ako would not wish any kind of controls on the press. And s0,to purge the institucions of its rascals and scalawags, let there be some kind of est that will then. certify who ean be a journalist in this country. Hello? ‘The idea of professional certification for the press recalls « dark and shameful period in the history of the press in the country. Proclamation 1081 which established Martial Law and Marcos rule was quickly followed by a chain of presidential decrees which established institutional licensing, regulation and supervision of the media. Carried out by ehe minions cof Malacafang, all private medka during that period were effectively regulated to toe the official line, to ‘operate as the government’ propaganda machine, [cannot see how the plan can flourish given the Constitutional protection of the freedom of expression and press freedom. Unfortunately, the argument can be cloaked by reasonableness. There are people who may Ocroser - Decemser 1996 PyR 41 A Test for Journalists not sec how such a process of certification goes against the Constitution. Afeer all, it will be pointed out, other professionals submit to some form of testing to establish their credentials for practice ‘There are actually people who feel that such tests would do no harm to the idea ofa free pres. Journalism and its practice, however, involves a basic and fundamental activity in a free society — the creation of a free exchange of ideas which involves all members of society In principle, the ‘press must be kept open to anyone. A national testing system would effectively limit participation in the market of ideas only co those certified. It could mean that only certain kinds of ideas could be aired in the public forum, In the same manner chat the bar and board evolve certain insitutional cultures, such testing could actually create a. press that is cut from the same cloth, rather than the diverse and pluralistic press that assures a strong democracy. ‘The decision about who gets to work as a journalise belongs, not go government and politicians, but to those who invest their resources in establishing news organizations and those they charge with running the newspaper. Pethaps Congressman Ramirez should realize that the best organizations are hiring on the basis of tests, putting their members on probation pending performance, providing them with training so they can keep up with the more complex demands of certain kinds of coverage. ‘Then the journalist has to pass the daily tet of the deadline. He should also realize that not all dhe testing in the world can protect politicians from the slings and arrows of free and lively press. That is part of the turf of politica life in a democracy @42 PyR Ocroser - DECEMBER 1996 Senior broadcast journalist and desk editor Roberto “Bert” Berbon of ABS-CBN% radio station DZMM was shot dead in front of his house in Imus, Cavite last December 15. Berbon, 45, chief of reporters at DZMM and head of the Samuhan ng mga sped off towards Dasmarifias town, No arrests had yer been made at presstime, Police are considering the following angles: + Berbon might have been killed by members of a crime syndicate involved in drug pushing, Mamamahayag sa Kabite (Samaka), was gunned down, by three suspected hired killers while talking — with relatives in his yan National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Santiago Toledo has formed a special task force, headed by Edmand Arugay, to look into the case after Cavite Gov. Epimaco Velasco, Toledo's predecessor sought his help. Initial police investigation showed that Berbon and his wife Sabina were with brothers-in-law Bert and Roger Pakinggan and cousin Marcelo Caluyo in front of their House at 6 Anabu Hills Stat about 6:45 pm when a red Ford Escort arrived. Three men alighted, approached Berbon and fired an M- 16 rifle,a carbine and a 45 caliber pistol without warning. Sabina told police the gunmen kepe shooting even after her husband slumped dead on the pavement. Sabina was hit by a stray bolle in the leg while Berbon’s rnale chives were not hurt, The suspects then boarded the ear and smnuggling or illegal gambling, Becbon aside from being a vocal critic of a gambling lord in Imus, ‘was ako at the foreitont of a campaign agains illegal drugs. According co an anonymous source quoted by the Inguirer, ‘He (Berbon) may have stepped on the operations of the syndicate’; + The creation of Berbon’s press group Samaka may have ‘incurred the ire of some influential personalities with vested interests in the province’; * Berbon was said to have had a bitter argument with, some reports described as, another media member Varying counts note Berbon. as either the sixth or seventh journalist killed daring the administration of President Ramos Before Berbon, Ferdinand Reyes of the Dipolog-based Press Freedom was gunned down in his office in February this year by unidentified assailants The case remains unsolved. Four press groups—the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP), Save the Journalists, Phihppines and the Philippine National Police Press Corps Inc.—as well as several lawmakers condeaned the brutal (from Chronicle, TODAY, Times and Inquirer vepor's December 17) killing. goo The House of Representatives is considering the re-establishment of a Department of Information which will oversee the integrated and coordinated dissemination of information on ‘government activities. A Department, later Ministry of Information was established during the Marcos period, Recogniring the vital role of ‘communication in development, Rep. Wilmar Lucero (LP, 2nd Dist. Northern Samar) has filed House Bill (HB) 7969 or the Department ‘of Information Act of 1996 which aims to ensure the publics maximum understanding, acceptance and support of government programs by stimulating public interest and participation. Lucero said the departm among others, will also attempt to improve the state of Philippine journalism by developing new standards of moral and civic responsibility. These seandards will be incorporated into the accepted norms of conduct and ethics of the industry, Lucero addled ‘With the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) serving as its center, the proposed department will absor People’ ‘Television Network, Inc. (PTV 4) Philippine News Agency (PNA)the Movie Television Review and Clasification Board (MTRCB) and Video Regulatory Board (VRB). (Business World, September 30) goa Criminal charges have been filed in Cebu City againea member of the Presidential Security Group who mauled two photographers covering a visit of President Ramos in the city last October Edward Ligas, secretary- general of the Cebu Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) filed a formal complaint against S/Sgt. Diowdado Pobre before the Visayas Office of the Ombudsman for violating Article 131 of che Revised Penal Code which condermns the “prohibition, interruption and dissolution of peaceful sings” Pobre was accused of disrupting a rally held by Sugbuanong Nagpakabana to which FDC also belongs during the visit of the President in Mandaue City om Oct. 18. During the rally Pobre punched two phorogrphers—-TODAY's Mike Alquinto and Sun Star Daily's ‘Amper Campatia—for taking his picture while he was confiscating a from one ofthe rllysts The News Photographers Association of the Philippines (NEWSPAP), last October, aired its ‘serious concern’ over the Ocroser - DecemBer 1996 pyR B incident. “We vigorously protest the minhandling of two of our colleagues who were only performing their duties as news photographers” NEWSPAP President Johnny Villena said. (from Inquirer, TODAY, Standard and Journal repore) goa About 2,000 judges all over the country scored media for irvesponsible reportage which they said has placed the judiciary in a bad light. “The Philippine Judges Association (PJA) and the RTC Judges Association of Quezon City criticized media for encouraging public distrust in the judiciary for decisions that fall short of pre-conceived expectations by the press “The mature of the juudicial fnetion demands that media should harness wide-eyed respect rather than encourage blind disobedience to court decisions,” the two groups said im a statement. “And for the sake of law and order, media should provide a cool medium for the exchange of Juwifiable ideas, noe an alarmist podium for nihilistic rabble rousers and ubloidal clowns.” che judges added. ‘The judges issued the seatement amid a fror over the acquittal of 2 mayor in the Vinewilado case and the ‘sno-pake” scam, both controversial cases. (from Malaya, Inquirer and Manila Times repors, November 7). oqo ‘Reevision may soon be regulated and directed toward more prograns that reflect che needs of children with the House of Representatives’ approval on third and final reading of the proposed “Children’s Television Act” (House Bill 2192), “The House resolved that the medium should be used to promote the edacational, cultural and. moral development of children. The bill proposes the creation of a National Council for Children’ Television which will formulate and recommend plans. and policies on the development of children’s programs (Manila Standard, November 10) oo0 Standing as the lawyer of TODAY Pablisher Teodoro, “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr and Rep. Joker Arroyo (Ind., ), former Comelee mmissioner Haydee Yorac demanded thar the Manila Peninsula Hotel retract the allegedly false account ofthe hotel’s duty manager of a December 4 brawl between Locsin and a Caucasian, Ina letter to Rolf Pisterer, the hotel’s general manager, Yorac suid the account given by Swis duty manager Peter Schoti of the Incident was"inaccurate arx| malicious”=pyR Ocroser - DecemBer 1996 Arroyo has accused Schori of manhandling him and siding with an unidentified Caucasian who started a brawl with Locsin at the hotel’ lobby. According to Arroyo, he and Locan together with Inquirer columnists Conrado de Quiros and ‘Adcian Cristobal were chatting when the C: ncasian approached their table and slammed a can of Coke on it Looking at Locsin, the foreigner remarked “What's so fanny, big sho” and tried to punch him. When a seufle ensued between the two, Arroyo tried to ‘break ie up but was shoved by Schori Schori blamed Arroyo's group for the incident, In her leter,Yorac saick “We are very concerned about the accurate and malicious narrative being peddled by your Mr. Peter Schori which is obviously aimed at distorting the facts, destroying the reputation of Messrs. Arroyo and Locsin, and protecting your most favored and mysteriously unidentifiable Caucasian guest” “We therefore demand a fill, immediate and formal rectification of these false reports by (your hotel) within 24 hours ftom your receipt of this letter” Yorac added Arroyo has also filed a ‘complaint of physical injuries’ against Schori before the Makati City Police. ‘The hotel management ‘apologized’ to Arroyo and Locsin last Dec. 7 for what it described as an “unforuunate incident” (from Inquirer, TODAY, Chronicle and Star, December 6-8 reports) ogo ‘wo Tongan journalists have been jailed for alleged contempt of the Tongan parliament. Kalafi Moala and Filokalafi ‘Akiu‘ola, Times of ‘Tonga editor and deputy editor, respectively, along with MP Akilisi Pohiva were sentenced to 30° days imprisonmentby resolution of the parliament. Their “offense” was reporting the fact, that Pohiva was to table a motion calling for the impeachment of 2 cabinet minister before he had actually tabled it. “Tonga's Chief Justice rejected an appeal, saying parliament had the sovereign right to deter constituted contempt and to punish for it. In support of their colleagues, journalist’ organizations staged [Protests against the government's actions. This latest incident followed the banning of New Zealind-based Agence France Presse correspondent Mike Field from attending a Pacific Islands News Association convention in Tonga and the arrest eatlier this year of “Akau‘ola for “angering” the Miniscer of Police. (FJ Directline Asia Sepcemiber, 1996) goa The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), the representative organizations of Media (0 Pakistani editors, expresed “concern and dismay” over what it called the interim government's inability or unwillingness t keep the people informed about the events following the dismissal of the government of Prime Minister Benazhir Bhutto and the dissolution of the National Assembly last November 5. ‘on November 6, CPNE said the people were not informed about the events and decisions that followed the November 5 presi proclamation dissolving the National Assembly and dismissing the federal cabinet. The organization said the press was not offically told anything about the wherabouts of Bhutto, the status of the provincial assemblies, governors and cabinets, nor the names of persons put on the exit control list which prevents them from leaving Pakistan, The press was even excluded from the swearing in ceremony of the newly inducted cabinet which is usually a good oceasion for journalists to talk to the new iinisters about their plans and policies, CPNE siid (IFEX Communique, November 7) ooo The International Women’s Media Foundation (WMF) presented on November 19 its Courage in Journalism Awards to women journalists from Egypt,Zambia and Turkey, in addition to parliament” She is now out of honoring an American journalise hiding and has resumed hee with the IWME 1996 Lifetime column writing publicly Achievement Award, American jourmalist Meg The awantees were Ayie Greenfield, the editorial page Onal from Turkey Saida Ramadan editor of the Washington Post fiom Egypt and Lucy Sichone received the Lifetime Achievement from Zambia, Award “in recognition of her Onal, a pioneering spirit and freelance determination that has journalist bared opened doors for women in Istanbul was everywhere” A video tribute to slain Irish journalistVeronica Guerin was also shown during imprisoned ng che Gulf War and was shot at by the Turkish mafia in 1994 the ceremonies held in NewYork city, (IFEX Communique, November 18) She has been forced into hiding by the fandamentalists oa0 nal has written newspaper articles ud books and produces and hosts a The Taliban religious weekly political programme on movement has imposed the strict television, Ishmic law of sharia on the pres Ramadan, an exiled since it took control of the Agha Sudanese journalist, is the editor of capital Kabul on Sepeemiber 27, the Egyptian daily Al Alam Al Youn based in Cairo, Aer the 1989 fundamentalist coup in Suan, when her passport was -voked, Ramadan remained in iro where she had been a correspondent. As the first Sudanese journalist in exile to ‘write critically ofthe Sudanese regime, Ramadan has been threatened, assaulted and blacklis Sichone is legal columnist reports the test issue of “La for the daily The Post in Lusaka, Lettre”, the bi-weekly bulletin of Zambia, She went into hiding the Reporters sans Frontieres (RSP) with her baby after her arrest along The Taliban, which is trying with the Posts editors was ordered to impose Islamic hw on con charges of*contempt of Afghanistan, now controls 8wo- id by the government. thirds of the country. Taliban fanatics have destroyed television stations and cameras and still camera equipment, referring, t0 them as the “devil’s boxes” Al publications in Kabul have been banned and the only source of information for the Afghans are the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBO) and the Voice of America The RSF said not one paper has found acceptance in the eyes ofthe Taliban which has ako stopped all women from working and banned them from any activities Foreign journalisss have also run into trouble for talking to women, an act considered "a mortal sin” by the Taliban fandamentalist religious students schooled in Pakistan Two journalists from the Argentinean television neowork Telefe, along with their interpreter and driver, were beaten and jailed for 24 hours by 25 members of the Taliban. They were accused of being spies for deposed President Burhannuddin Rabbani ‘The Taliban has been hostile to members of the foreign press, convinced that they had been “bought” by its opponents, reported the RSF. Some journalists were reportedly ordered to choose benween “retreat or death” (IBEX Communique. November 26 ) oo0046 PyR Ocroser - Decemer 1996 FIDE chair scores vs. Borjal International Chess Federation (FIDE) chair Horencio Campomanes won another round in his P50-million libel suit against Philippine Star columnist Arturo Borjal when Quezon City Second Assistant City Prosecutor Mercedes Penamora dismissed Borjal’s motion for reconsideration, Rorjal’s motion came after Assistant City Prosecutor Bienvenido Tomboc found prima facie evidence to indict hum for libel before the Regional Trial Court Branch 82. Campomanes, who served as FIDE president for 13 years before he was elected chair, sued Borjal eatly this year for “launching a vengeful campaign to assassinate his character, cause his dishonor, discredit and contempt, destroy his reputation and subject him co trial by publicity” In his complaint filed January 6, Campomanes said Borjal wrote a toral of 22 articles over a period covering June 13, 1995 until December 8, 1995 “insinuating that a financial scam ‘was committed in the 1992 Manila Chess Olympiad and he (Campomanes) was named mastermind of the scam.” In finding prima facie evidence against Boral, Prosecutor Tomboc said:"It was incumbent on Boral, in the interes: of fairness to atleast mention that Campomanes had been cleared by the Ombudsman. ‘This Borjal did not do.In Fact, Borjal has even republished the accusations in his recent articles” (TODAY, September 4 ) Capiz damage suit against Sotto, GMA-7 moved Concerned citizens and media groups of Capiz are contemplating on filing a multi-million peso chamage suit versus Sen, Vicente “Tito” Sotto Mand GMA-7 over a segment of Brigada Siyete aired November 2 which they said stereotyped Capiceiios as uswung (witches) The call to fle a damage suit against Sotto ind GMA-7 came up in a meeting of Libel © officials Hoilo Press Club members and concerned residenes Several municipal mayors of Capiz showed support for the move, among them: Mayors Pedro Exmundo of Tapaz; Renato Villareal of Ivisin; Emesto Sevilla of President Roxas; Echel Jinon, Jamindan, Honorio Diaz, Mayon; and Ernesto Escutin, Dao, ‘The Capiz League of Municipalities has already passed a resolution denouncing the controversial segment, sid Mayor Exmundo. The C board, on the other hand, has passed a resolution requesting the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster si Pilipinas (KBP) to investigate GMA-7 and the Brigada staff for what it called “abuse of freedom.” A radio station will aso initiate “Boycott Sotto Movement” in Capiz. and other provinces in Western Visayas in time for the 1998 elections when Sotto was reportedly planning to run as vice president. ‘The segment, Brigada’s Halloween presentation, depicted Capicefios as “flying crea and featured footages lifted from local horror movies showing asumgs and other night creatures known in Filipino folklore. It also featured interviews of two “victims” of the aswung Sotto catlier stood by Brigada’ story saying the segment was based on accounts of “actual victims” and was “fair and balanced.” However, the senator later issued a letter of apclogy addressed to Gon. Esteban Contreras. piz provincial “We are sincerely sorry ifthe questioned segment caused so much unease to (Gow Esteban Contrens and the people of Capiz... Rest assured that we did not have the sightes intention to do so’ read Sotto’ Letter. The uproar has urged Gov. Contreras to create ‘Task Force Wile Asuang (No Witches) to dismantle the age-old myth that the people of Capiz are witches. The task force will involve massive information campaign to separate my¢h from ruth ia the province’ bid to shed of its image of being a haven for aswungs (Inquirer reports, Novennber, 1996)Chron Jojo Dass, who covers the DILG for the Manila Times, has resigned, Perfecto Caparasilland Joey Caburrida, Times reporters ‘coverng the NBl and Defense beats, respectively, have also resigned. Former Manila Times reporter Tina ‘ceo: Dumlao isnow with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Dumloo Covered the energy beat for the Times Manila Times lensman Dennis Sabangan hos resigned, He is now with TODAY. Ma, Rta Sofia Raagas has resigned from the United Press Intemational (UP) to join AP Dow Jones. Manila Chronicle art cirector Boy Togononhas resigned, Cesar Soriano, former Mindanao Bureau Chief of ABS-CBN, now covers Mindanao for GMA-7. Former ABS-CBN reporter Vivien Zalvidea isnow a newscaster for ‘ABC-5, Also joining ABC-5 is Anthony Pangiinan who did Newscasts in PIV-4, Jose "Ping’ Galang Jr, executive editor and business editor of TODAY has resigned. He is now with the BusinessWorld os its managing ecto. Pubic Life with Randy David ppremieted November 28 on GMA- 7. Public Life hosted by sociologist ‘and Inquirer columnist Randy Octoser - DecemBeR 1996 PR 47 David is c public affars tak show pattemed after David's former show Public Forum which used to air on ABC-5, inna Mendoza, TODAY heath reporter, was honored by tne ‘Washington-based Population Insttute for her teporting on population issues. Mendoza will teceive the Best Individual Reporting award during the ‘annual awarding ceremonies of the 17th Global Media Award this December. The Population Insttute, the award sponser, will ‘iso give Mendoza a two-week fomiy planing study tour in Thailand. The Institute noted Mendoza’s coverage of national population issues that focus on resource depletion resuttng from Population pressures; male ‘esponsbilty in family planning, ‘and clashes between the Catholic Church and population stabilization advocates in the Philippines. The Population Institute is the world’s laigest independent, non Profit, educational organization dedicated exclusively 10 achieving a more equitable balunce between the world's population, environment and resources, it was established in 1969 with membership spread in 160 counties, Nine journalists were honored by the Philippine Press Institute and the Philippine Geothermal Inc. in the 1996 Science and Technology Joumaism Awards held Decemebr 11 at the ‘Mandarin Oriental Hotel Elena Tacio, a contribute’ for Mr. & Ms. Magazine won fist pie for her stoy on the ikeffects of Mosquito bites entitled "if Bites ‘Could Kil’ Tacio received a 50,000 cash award and a plaque. JJ. Bacalin of People and Nature Magazine won the second pie for his article "Green Gains in Botechnotogy’ while Jose Ma, Lorenzo Tan won the thir ppive for "Whale and Dolphin Strandings: What could they mean?" which was published in the Evening Paper. The other finalists were: Jeny Esplanada of the Philippine Daiy Inquter Future shock Climate ‘changes threaten RP); Joe! 8, Tan ‘and Roseten Tugatf of Manila Chronicle (Hgh-Input Agriculture: A flawed approach to food production): Conrad M. Catiho of BusinessWordd (Gov't pushes for appiication of new approach in TBteaiment); Hentytto Tacio, a conttibutor for MOD Magazine (Will our coral ees soon be ‘gone?| and Rodel SG. Otfemaria ot Manila Chronicle (Filipino inventor's ‘wonder fuel’no hoax — scientists, engineers). The board of juciges for this year's ‘awards was composed of Melinda Quintos de Jesus, executive director of the Center for Media Freedom & Responsibilty, as chaiperson; Dr.Milagros Fexandez, Undersectetary for Heatth Faciities, Standards and Regulation of the Department of Health: Dr. Ester Ogena, ditector of the Sclence Education Institute of the Deparment of Science and Technology; Prot. Ricardo de Ungria, Chainperson of the Deparment of Arts and Commurication of the Universly of the Philppines, Manila; cind Prot. Rebecca ARonueve of the College of the Holy Spirt Phoenix Publishing and the Mania Standard have launched the “Wornkmith with a Slingshot: The Gerry Gil Book’ last October 16 at the Hetage Hote’, The book, the legacy back of one of the countrys premier waters, the late Geny Gi, sa compiation of fis editions published in the Mania Standard. Gl wrote the daily editorials of the Mania Standard and served as ts cpirion and associate ecttor Unti his death fast July 26, 1995, The Philippine Center for Investigative Joumaiismn has launched Patrimony last December 14 at the Bahay ng ‘Alurnniin UP Diirnan, Ratimony presents si cases on Ideal politics {and the envionment in the Philippines. Edited by PCU executive director Shella Corena| Patimony is a collection of work by writers Howie Seveting, Yasmin Arquiza, Sylvia Mayuga, Marites Danguilan-Vitug, Chay Florentino Hofllsha and Victor Pefiaranda. OBITUARY: Marcelino Foronda Jr, editor of Panorama magazine, passed away last December 2, He was 70, Foronda was appointed editor of Panorama in 1992 Also a noted historian, academician and biographer, he taught at De La Salle University from 1957 to 1991 before his stint with Panorama. He was a member of various organizations such as the National Historical Institute, National Research Council of the Philippines, International Association of Historians in Asia, United Nations Association of the Philippines and the Tawid Heritage Foundation Foronda took his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Salamanca in Spain and post-doctoral at Notre Dame University and Stanford University, both in the United States. Veteran columnist and police reporter Lito Catapusan Sr. died November 9 of cardiac arrest while playing golf at the Villamor Air base in Pasay City He was 58. Catapusan was a police reporter for the Manila Bulletin for 30 years and columnist for the last 10 years. He wrote Beatwatch column in the Manila Bulletin and nosted a daily radio program “Beatwatch sa Radyo" over DWIZ. Catapusan won awards from the Knights of Columbus, Pasay City, for public service; from the Dangerous Drugs Board for outstanding service and contributions and form the Philippine National Police Narcotics Command. Journalist Ric Baliao died October 31 of a lingering illness at the Lung Center of the Philippines. He was 64, A veteran journalist, Baliao is a lifetime member of the National Press Club. He was congressional reporter for the Manila Bulletin and the Evening News and Malacafiang reporter for the pre-Mattial law Manila Chronicle, Baliao was president of the Malacafiang Newsmen’s Association from 1962-1965; director of the NPC from 1966-1987 ‘and executive editor of the Central Editorial Desk of the Presidential Press Staff from 1975-1988. He also served as media consutant ‘to House Speaker Jose de Venecia JrDx (2 Dogs BH je Ym (On da fourth day of Christmas Makoy sent to me. (On da fh day of Christmas. tingyan ng amnesty }siJoma at mga kakampi ‘On da sixth day of Christmas S =, AD ‘ASEAN sert iome, Dap, siteokuen Yew at g eS) pinagsesemonan kami EASY seven hudetawats to caliorate_ca economy, (On da seventh day of Christmas coup ploters sent to me. % ‘Ondaegtt cay a Chistras COMELECsentiome... 45 (On ca nirthday of CChisrras Ramos sat Mua, ceigt candidates at “ex si Ramos ang pineli \