According to George Orwell, journalism is the act of printing what others do not want printed because everything else is just public relations. This statement, although light-hearted, holds true when journalism dares to uncover truths that reek of corruption. As a journalist with over 40 years of experience, I have encountered numerous situations where I have been asked to investigate and write about issues that could put lives at risk. These requests often come with a plea to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers, witnesses, and those with inside knowledge. Essentially, I am left to navigate a dangerous path, potentially risking my own life to expose the truth. It is important to acknowledge that journalists are not invincible, despite our dedication to the truth.
With that being said, it is crucial for journalists to stand together and support one another. This is why I stand in solidarity with the Freedom for Media Freedom for All’s call to condemn the death threats against Vera Files, a media group dedicated to fact-checking and countering disinformation. Vera Files is internationally recognized for its expertise in reviewing news stories on social media platforms such as Facebook, ensuring their accuracy.
The Freedom for Media Freedom for All coalition, which includes organizations like the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, the Philippine Press Institute, and MindaNews, works tirelessly to advocate for media freedom as a fundamental right for all citizens in a democracy. In the face of death threats received by Vera Files, we must recognize the gravity of the situation. These threats should not be dismissed or normalized, especially considering President Duterte’s open hostility towards mainstream media. Under his administration, journalists have faced coordinated disinformation campaigns, assaults, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation. In a climate of violence, threats of death cannot be taken lightly, as they incite real-life actions. The words used against journalists only strengthen the culture of impunity surrounding attacks on the media.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his commitment to combatting fake news and improving the Philippines’ ranking in the World Press Freedom Index. It is crucial that he follows through on these words and directs the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to identify those responsible for the threats against Vera Files.
As part of the media community, we must stand united in solidarity with the victims of these attacks and threats. An attack on one is an attack on all, and these threats weaken not only the media as an institution but also our ability to provide factual news that citizens rely on in a democracy.
On another note, I would like to express my condolences to the Religious of the Good Shepherd (RGS), the family, and friends of Sister Mary Regina Kuizon. Sister Gina, as she was affectionately known, recently passed away. She was a former province leader of RGS Philippines-Japan and played a significant role in the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines. Prior to joining RGS, she worked in communications, utilizing her journalism background. Her written work often concluded with the number “30,” a common practice among journalists to signify the end of a story. Rest in peace, Sister Gina.
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