We are in what is perhaps one of the darkest periods in Philippine history.
The start of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term was marked by the promise of change. Six years later, Filipinos continue to grapple with the devastating loss of lives and culture of impunity brought about by his bloody war on drugs and crackdown on dissidents.
As the entire country struggles in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, many have paid the cost of the administration’s heavy-handed response to the health and economic crisis, resulting in increased unemployment and poverty rates since the start of lockdowns in 2020. Disinformation networks and attacks against the media have also gained more momentum since Duterte’s rise to power, effectively blurring the line between fact and fiction and eroding public trust in media.
This election season serves as a glimmer of light in these dark times–in May 2022, Filipinos will have the chance to elect a new set of leaders. As political aspirants battle it out on the internet, the pressure for the people to use their power to elect worthy candidates becomes more and more eminent.
Journalists, now more than ever, play a pivotal role in protecting the integrity of the elections by combating disinformation and telling stories that matter to empower people in making informed decisions.
However, the unprecedented living conditions presented by the pandemic make the whole decision-making process even more challenging for the voters. From registration troubles to campaign and rally restrictions, it has been difficult for everyone to gain firsthand engagement with election-related activities. Most of us are left with no choice but to rely on what we see online to inform us on what could be the most impactful part of our lives for the next six years.
And yet, as many aspects of our lives have shifted digitally through social media, internet trolls began to thrive on the rising number of disinformation networks by feeding on differing opinions. Netizens who are influenced by these disinformation tactics even become extended mechanisms for the spread of misinformation, while others completely lose their trust towards the media, including those dedicated to the pursuit of truth.
Even our own government is accountable for this uptrend of media distrust, which has been legitimized since Duterte’s striking pronouncements and threats against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, and vendetta-driven actions against media giant ABS-CBN that undermine the state of press freedom at large. The ABS-CBN shutdown that followed also made it more difficult for news and information to reach the country’s citizens, especially those living in the regional areas, thereby worsening their capacity to make a well-informed choice in the coming elections.
With the make-or-break national elections drawing closer and our already-dwindling democracy under siege, the need for fearless, ethical, and accurate journalism in service of the Filipinos has never been more urgent. The rich history of the Philippine press is a testament of how journalists fought to hold powers that be accountable. This year, we continue their legacy.
As we anticipate what is perhaps the Philippines’ most crucial elections since 1986, we call on all fellow journalists to dutifully and conscientiously exercise our roles as the state’s watchdogs. Our duty lies in truth-telling, and we must remain unyielding in our mandate to defend the integrity of the truth and tell stories that need to be heard.
Likewise, we demand the government to ensure the safety of journalists and take the necessary actions needed in shielding media workers from election-related violence and harassment. Journalists can only do so much on their own, and speaking truth to power must never come at the expense of one’s life. There is no place for intimidation and censorship in a supposedly democratic country.
A well-informed citizenry is essential for a democracy to thrive. With social media turning into the new battleground for campaigning, it is essential for Filipinos to have access to accurate and quality coverage of the candidates because the results of this year’s polls will dictate the direction of our nation for the next six years. Every vote is crucial, especially with our democracy at stake.
During the last six years, an iron fist has repeatedly tried to stifle the truth and bend it to their will. Now, we take back our control of the narrative—and show to the powers that be that our pen is just as mighty as their fist.
Ang Suga Publication
Ang Pahayagang Plaridel
The Philippine Artisan
Atenews
Bulatlat
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
HAU Communicators’ League
CLSU Collegian
DZMC – Young Communicators’ Guild
FORWARD Publications
Kalasag
UP CMC FST Konse
Matanglawin Ateneo
PUP BroadCircle
Regina UA
The Bedan Roar – Alabang
The Bedan Herald
The Blooms Publication
Central Echo
The Communicator
The Crusader Publication
The Crusader
The Manila Collegian
The New Builder
Tarlac State University – The Oracle
The Scholastican
The Squire Publication
ThePILLARS Publication
Tinig ng Plaridel
Today’s Carolinian
Tolentine Star
TomasinoWeb
UJP UP Diliman
UP CMC Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)
UPLB Perspective
#DefendPressFreedom
#Halalan2022
#UPJCBanaag
