Speech of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye: Panay News' 25th Anniversary |
Sarabia Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City (08 April 2006) |
| I congratulate Panay News, the
biggest daily in Western Visayas, for 25 sterling years of professional journalism. Panay News is the only regional daily that is a regular member of the Malacanang Press Corps. In fact, its Manila Bureau Chief Sammy Julian was president of the Corps from 2004 to 2005. Of course, some may say that there are two major reasons behind the successful invasion of Panay News into the hallowed grounds of Malacanang's Press Working Area. Let me remind you that Secretary Cerge Remonde and I are proud columnists of Panay News. Let me assure you, however, that our by-lines were not granted in exchange for access to the Palace. On its own merits, Panay News deserves to cover the activities of the President given its wide circulation and entire roster of credible, professional journalists and columnists. That Panay News has lasted all these years comes as no surprise. Western Visayas is the citadel of a free and vibrant regional mass media. I was told that the region has 10 daily newspapers; 25 weeklies, bi-weeklies and monthlies; and 29 AM stations. It is also the home base of Bombo Radyo Philippines, one of the biggest radio networks in the country. Like the Panay News, all these media outlets signify public interest in current events, particularly those closer to home, and thus imbued with greater urgency than the political intrigues dished out by the minute in Metro Manila. The regional and community press are vital in recording history as it unfolds, in a language that its readers are familiar with. In Panay News, we in Manila get a flavor of the sentiments of our citizens in the Visayas. What may be for you an informative paper, is for us, an educational and enlightening one. Today, we are all on a 24-hour news cycle where news reports come at the speed of light, across virtual highways of communications, appearing first on the Internet at midnight and sometimes even during daybreak, before the actual newspaper copy comes out. Such lightning speed entails expert editorial judgment, skillful reporting, and a heightened sense of competition. As Press Secretary and Presidential Spokeperson, this means maintaining a staff on a 24-hour shift simply to monitor and record important news as they unravel, so that the President and members of her Cabinet are kept informed, and are able to respond with the same alacrity. It also means early morning interviews and late night monitoring of the evening news. The words we utter today, whether as politicians, technocrats, or media practitioners, bear the heavy imprint of history. In particular, the press, whether at the national or community level, has the power to shape public opinion through editorials and commentaries, and even by how your banner headlines are worded. I urge the media to use its power wisely, to unite and not divide, to depict the truth and not to distort it, to inform rather than mislead the public. Our recent economic gains, such as the strong performance of the peso and record-breaking dollar reserves, are good news that must be relayed to the people in terms that they can understand. Of course, these are the kind of news that are often buried deep in the inside pages. Still, such news signify an optimistic outlook on the Philippine economy that is shared by the international community and credit rating agencies. Tourist arrivals are up, and our economy is growing. The President, through decisive action, has managed to turn back a destabilization attempt that was a product of an unholy alliance between the extreme Right, extreme Left, and some members of the opposition. Smugglers are on the run, and tax evaders now recognize the ignominy of their actions. The Strong Republic that we all dream about is now within our reach. High up on the agenda of the administration is its firm determination to solve and prevent the violent and cowardly assaults on crusading journalists. As a former journalist, I am extremely saddened by the attack on our free and fearless press by those who cannot and would not withstand public scrutiny. I believe that there can be no better disinfectant for the ills of society and crimes committed against the people than the sunlight of a free and responsible press. That is why it pains me to hear that another community paper editor and columnist was shot and killed by armed men in Tarlac City last Sunday. According to records of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), he was the 76th media person to be killed since 1986. You must be aware of the P5-million fund set up for slain journalists. If you recall, the President's share included reward money for information leading to the arrest of the suspects in the killings, while that of Speaker Jose de Venecia was for the mobilization of quick reaction teams composed of media representatives that could immediately investigate and document these cases. Before the end of 2005, the President reported that 36 cases involving the slaying of journalists have either been disposed or are under trial, while 26 are under investigation or follow-up operations. I enjoin the publisher and staff of Panay News, and all the other community and regional papers and media outlets to help us identify and prosecute the pernicious enemies of an unfettered press. If you know of any journalist whose life is under threat, please let us know so that proper measures can be done to address such threats. In the same manner, if you feel that certain elements in government or public service are unreasonably restraining your right to report the news, speak up and let us know because the Constitution grants you that right just as it grants our people the right to timely and relevant information especially on the affairs of the state. Those who oppose the President; those who seek to oust her through extra-legal means; those who malign her every effort to perform according to her best lights - these people seek you out and try to take advantage of the innate adversarial position of the working press to pursue their selfish agenda. We understand that, but at the same time, we continue to hope that balance and accuracy will also lead you to our doorsteps. There is a saying that one must leave if he or she cannot stand the heat of the kitchen. Well, we - those who serve in the Arroyo Cabinet -- have experienced the heat not only of the kitchen but also of a raging forest fire right outside this kitchen. Yet, we are still here, in full support of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. We are here because we believe in her. We are here because we are convinced that she only has the national interest at heart. You may disagree with our position but I hope it is clear that your right to do so has never been curtailed. I hope that you also agree and take into consideration that press freedom is not without responsibility. There are always two or maybe more sides to a story. All we ask is that our side be presented, adequately, accurately, and at least with the same prominence as those who air a contrary view. Panay News has done that for the last 25 years and this is why I personally am proud to be associated with this paper. On a personal note, let me be the first to wish you an enlightened spiritual journey during this Season of Lent. May God's light find its way into our hearts, and bring peace to the nation's soul, so that we can stay united and proud as Filipinos. Congratulations to Panay News! Thank you and more power to all of you. |