The way things are, and should be

If one is writing a column or simply posting his thoughts on the internet, there are several topics which are readily available. However, the writing part is always the hardest. In fact, the drawing of opinion is not an easy task. It entails a lot of research and data gathering to formulate a decent, if not a sensible conclusion. It is always subjective as journalists would argue. From the opinion itself to the topic chosen – and even on the sources gathered – objectivity is reduced to the factuality of well, facts. If there is one thing which is true about opinion writing, it is the reality that we are bounded by such in formulating our judgment.

Which leads to the fact, the reality and the truth: writing is subjective. No ifs, no buts.

Amongst the hottest topics nowadays is the charter change, the ‘hidden’ martial law, the detention of the Batasan Five, the economy, and even the destabilization plots against the government. Never mind that it all revolves around a central topic which is politics. It has been proven that aside from “tsismis,” politics sells like hotcakes. How we Filipinos love politics. From shows like “Unang Hirit” to the late-night documentaries, the central theme would always be about it.

Having said so, it reminds me of what a friend said over a cup of coffee. He complained of too much politicking on our society, particularly on media. I take it that this is a normal phase on any developing country. Democracy, having been enjoyed by Filipinos for less than a century, we are still “testing” the limits of this ideology. How far could freedom of the press and of speech go? What is exactly the boundary between inciting to sedition and criticizing the administration? The law limits such rights but each circumstance and each case may bring-up a different interpretation as to what the law prescribes.

Because of this, the administration should not be onion-skinned in dealing with the criticism it gets from media. So long as we have not yet attained that amount of political maturity, politics and governance would always be a staple. Sure, there are other aspects of life such as the arts, culture and even fine cuisine. But no matter how we look at it, these things are only secondary. Tell Congress and Malacañang to concentrate more on other matters and the media would follow suit. News organizations are but a reflection of the current system we have.

Which leads me to say that there is no fool-proof way in “controlling” the media. The media owes itself to safeguard its ranks against scalawags and abusive personnel. In fact, no amount of government regulation or standard may be set-up without crossing the line of free speech. It is not the administration’s duty, neither is it mandated by law, to watch over the watchers. In the task of disseminating information, one does not need interference in fulfilling such task.

What’s wrong with the media being responsible? What’s wrong with developmental journalism and promotion of the economy? Media’s responsibility is being true to their calling. It should be unbiased, factual and fair. The concept of being responsible is something that must be left to the news organization itself. The people are not fools when it comes to what they should believe in and what they should not. A fine example would be ABS-CBN and its ties with Meralco. Its rating dropped because of alleged protection of the interests of its owners.

Developmental journalism, on the other hand, is quite a different thing. Remove the “D” and you have “envelopmental” journalism. For those who do not know, these are journalists who are on the list of pay-roll by politicians and by those in power. All praises could be seen on this kind of work, evidently blinded by the glitter of money to portray a good image to his patron. Developmental journalism, in its strictest sense, is watching over the development of a project, of highlighting its importance, and of criticizing – if necessary – of activities and projects of the government. It is still adversarial. The tone may have been cut-down, but the essence still remains the same.

To put things simply, this article is about how politics would continue to be the main topic of media organizations. As said earlier, we have not yet attained that degree of political maturity to concentrate more on other things. This is the reason why Gloria and her staff would remain to be the center of attention. This is also the reason why she must not restrict its movement instead of allowing a free flow of debates and arguments. Presidente kasi ‘sya. Part ‘yun ng job description.

It was Victor Hugo who said, “I may not agree with what you say but I’ll fight to the end your right to say it.” This is the essence of democracy. Would you rather prefer a silent media over a noisy one? Baka patay na o nakakulong na kaya tahimik. The real scary part is: if the government could issue orders against media and its inherent freedom, what more could it do to ordinary citizens? Abusadong media o abusadong gobyerno? Mamili ka.