SOUNDING BOARD is an outlet for opinions on good and crazy things going on at home (wherever I may be). All are welcome. You are not expected to bring anything except your common sense & sense of humor.
'If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get one million miles to the gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.'
-Robert X. Cringely (from geek wisdom)
SOUNDING BOARD
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
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Paranoia and press freedom
Some paranoid members of the Arroyo government may have to be reminded of three things. Press freedom, press freedom and press freedom.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. admitted on Monday that some members of the media are under surveillance, and further admitted that this is not the first time media personnel have been the subjects of surveillance.
This announcement came after President Gloria Arroyo berated GMA-7 reporter Tina Panganiban-Perez on Friday and accused her of "abetting rebellion" after she interviewed Senator Gregorio Honasan whom the government has accused of masterminding the failed July 27 mutiny. Almost as quick in unleashing the infamous presidential temper, the President was also quick to 'explain the incident' to the network's officials. Press Secretary Milton Alingod reported that Ms Macapagal went to the GMA 7 studios Saturday night for an hour to talk to GMA-7 management and clarify with network officials that Malacanang never intended to pursue legal action against Panganiban-Perez.
Abetting rebellion is a very strong accusation from no less than the President. Is there anything wrong with conducting interviews with suspected "enemies of the state"? I don't think so. In any case, I don't think even the President has any business berating a journalist for doing her job, and doing her job quite well, if I may say so. After all, the government has all the resources, machinery and access to media - something that suspected coup plotters may not have. In short, the playing field may not be so equal from the very start.
There is a very thin line between harassment and whatever it is that government is doing with media right now. Dinner, anyone?
posted by Allan at 2:18 PM (GMT+8)
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