We have our own mainstream media outlet favorites, some are kapamilya, kapuso, or kapatid, while others prefer CNN or perhaps whatever network is on air. With each headline and news angles that reveal the truth, we were able to indulge our right to know and the freedom of the press to inform. Along with news coverage are the plethora of teleserye, films, and documentaries they produce. While some were breakthroughs in the entertainment industry, many also recognize the flops and downright ridiculous ones. In all of it, the Filipino masses were both entertained and informed no matter what media outlet played in our television screens, even at times glitchy. Yet the 5th of May marks a dark day, with the seemingly endless attacks on its own people, the state’s move to shutdown the largest television network in the country leaves a clear and exasperating message — who’s next?
Looking over the pages of our history, it is not filled with glee and joyous moments but instead the relentless passion of revolutionaries to fight for the people. Suchlike how Marcos’ dictatorship silenced the voices of the press not only ABS-CBN’s but also Channel 5, various radio stations, and even campus publications. History repeats itself with the Duterte Regime twisting the issue under ‘expired franchise’ despite many networks were allowed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to operate with pending legislative franchise renewal. It is an ill statement to say that this is not an attack on press freedom as there are other existing media outlets. Amidst this worsening pandemic, it is crucial for people to have accessible information with updates coming in by the second. Along with the unjust shutdown of this network is the media blackout people will have to face, especially those in the provinces who rely on it most especially the eleven thousand workers are now unemployed. To add to the unforeseeable end to this virus, is our government’s incompetent governance which is more focused on suppressing constructive criticisms rather than providing concrete plans inclusive to all. With the press being the backbone of a democratic government, to trample over one’s right is to deny the right of all.
In campus journalism, we are often told that we must always stay ‘neutral’ but this is the further thing from being a journalist. Those whose beliefs lie in the middle ground have no place in journalism, we can stay objective but not ever neutral. Inside our universities and colleges, we are often left with the fear of being attacked by the administration perhaps in indirect ways. The moment we pick up our pen, we also get to pick our side which must always be with the masses. This blatant attack on mainstream media aims to send a chilling effect to all smaller media outlet, that those who are too critical might suffer the same fate. We can be afraid but still do it anyway, to still uphold the truth during these times when it is portrayed as a criminal act.
Dure lex, sed lex only seems to apply when the ruling class favors it, press freedom has been attacked several, perhaps countless of times with critics being sent to jail while corrupt politicians and fake news peddlers roam free. As the state continues to criminalize dissent and impose anti-poor and anti-Filipino policies instead of prioritizing this public health crisis, the fourth state must also continue to fight through collective effort. We must never let this unjust act silence us, we must remain steadfast with pens ready to write the next headline. Keeping in mind that we are not the propaganda arm of our schools, our bias is always the welfare and stand of our fellow students. As campus journalists, we have had our fair share of competitions, certificates, and medals. We took pride in our writings and being called as a writer but words without actions are doomed to fail. With our democracy in peril, campus journalists must rise above writing for contests and trophies but rather write with a greater purpose — of serving the people.
