A reassurance
IT is certainly reassuring to know that the administration of President Marcos is committed to protect the independence, rights and security of journalists and other media workers.
It will be recalled that during the October 5 “President’s Night” organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club, President Marcos vowed to support and protect the rights of mediamen.
In fact, the only son and namesake of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos of Ilocos Norte assured the press people of his willingness to lend an ear and listen to all their concerns.
Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), aired the reassurance during a dialogue conducted at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
In the view of many, including the ordinary citizens, this is not surprising because the press plays a critical role in strengthening democracy in impoverished Philippines.
Aside from Garafil and DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, the dialogue was also attended by police officials and representatives from the National Press Club, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, Presidential Task Force on Media Security, and the PNP Press Corps.
Secretary Abalos initiated the dialogue following the controversial police visits to the homes of journalists after the murder of broadcast journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
Note that the Philippines, a country of election-crazy but peaceful-loving people, is acknowledged as the bulwark of “participatory democracy” in this part of the world.
The Chief Executive’s pledge to support and protect the independence, rights and security of print and broadcast journalists shows that democracy is alive in the country.
It’s a step in the right direction which the Filipino people, without second thoughts, applaud.
