Foreign and local media got another presidential lecture yesterday on how they should write their stories.
In a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the
Philippines (FOCAP) held at the Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas, President
Aquino lamented what he called the penchant of some members of the media
to spread negativism although the country is “teeming with positive
stories.”
Saying he is not averse to media scrutiny or criticisms, the
President called on the media to strike a balance between positive and
negative reports.
He urged journalists to “make room for hope” in their reports.
“Media is part and parcel of society, and it is incumbent upon you to
tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. These days,
that also means accurately representing the national condition by
striking a healthy balance between the positive and the negative,” the
President said.
“Negativism has driven some members of our media for far too long,
and it might one day convince our people that a disproportionate amount
of national events are negative; that all is lost and it is foolish to
hope. I encourage you to act on this, because just as it is your role to
keep government in check, it is also your duty to keep a watchful eye
on your ranks, in view of publishing the truest possible accounting of
our national life,” he said.
“By all means, criticize; dialogue has, in many cases, helped
accelerate our nation’s development. My only suggestion is for you to
make room in your reports for hope. After all, it is also one of the
tasks of media to inspire our countrymen with uplifting news,” he added.
Aquino cited the “enormous progress” in the Mindanao peace process,
the robust performance of the local economy, and expansion of the
Conditional Cash Transfer program which, he said, at has benefited more
than 4 million families.
“Everywhere you look, there are outstanding Filipinos who are
deserving of our attention: whether it is 2009 CNN Hero of the Year,
Efren Peñaflorida whose continued efforts deserve more coverage, or 2014
Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Randy Halasan, who has dedicated his
professional life to educating indigenous communities, and should be
hailed as an example to aspiring teachers,” he said.
He said the government has made high-profile arrests, including that
of former general Jovito Palparan for alleged human rights abuses.
He also took pride in the significant reduction of recorded or
validated extralegal killings, from a total of 168 during the previous
administration to 42 in the last four years of his administration.
“Indeed, one could consider this as progress, but make no mistake: Our
administration will not be content until this number reaches zero,” he
said.
The President renewed his commitment to resolve the spate of
extralegal killings in the country, including those involving
journalists.
Towards the end of his speech, the President assured that the
government will do everything in its power to produce more positive
developments to report.
“My only appeal to media is that you give these stories their time in
the sun and, even as you retain a sharp critical eye, that you still
look to inspire and encourage our people along the path to progress,” he
said.
