As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day six days before Halalan 2022, we stand with and pay tribute to Filipino journalists and their unrelenting effort to deliver the truth during a time when the country so desperately needs it.
Covering elections – particularly one where the post-pandemic fate of the nation hinges on its results – is no easy feat. Newsrooms are upended in a flurry of activity, deadlines are shortened, and the campaign trail often leads beat reporters to places far from home, where they either stand under the sweltering heat of the sun or brave heavy downpours of rain.
But, disappointingly, the greatest challenge the press has faced comes from some of the candidates themselves. It was just a few weeks ago when one candidate blamed the press for the backlash he got after they merely quoted what he himself proudly declared in his joint Easter conference that brought his survey numbers further down. One of the candidates who joined the same press conference also refused to answer a valid question raised by one of the reporters.
Even the frontrunner candidate seems to have carried on his late dictator father’s aversion to the media with him, despite his brazen declaration that he would face the media. From refusing to do interviews with respected journalists to skipping debates where he could have refuted allegations against him and his family, this candidate has been fairly consistent in his “less talk, less mistake” tactic–so much so that his security even went as far as shoving a reporter to block her from interviewing him. It is deplorable, laughable, even, that this candidate’s standard for fair and unbiased reporting is a media network owned by an FBI-wanted pastor who openly endorses him.
Showing up for the interview is the least an applicant can do to be considered for a job. Now that the most important job in the country is at stake, candidates failing to meet the bare minimum requirements only reflect their potential level of dedication and commitment in office. Nevertheless, Filipinos deserve better–leaders who will show up when we need them, and who are not afraid to fight for our need for truth, justice, and freedom.
This coming election, we enjoin everyone to exercise our right to vote conscientiously–not just for ourselves, but for every Filipino. Let us be reminded that the impact of our votes will not end after May 9, it will persist for six years, and perhaps even more.
