THE FOURTH ESTATE
by Gregorio V. Bituin Jr. from his column LINKS
The Featinean publication, June 1996, pages 46-47
Of Love and Shadows. This movie starring Jennifer Connelly and Antonio Banderas remarkably shows that the pen is mightier than the sword. Based on a true story, it depicts the courage and vigilance of a journalist and a photographer who took the risk of exposing the truth behind the atrocities committed by the fascist regime against the people of Chile. Investigative journalism in action, it really touched the journalist instinct in me. This movie is truly inspiring.
In my almost three years in The Featinean, I now realize that journalism will become a part of my life. As the noblest profession I know, I enjoy every millimeter of it. Becoming a member of the fourth estate is not an easy job and may discourage the new ones as it needs a lot of balls, patience, sacrifices, courage, perseverance, ability, and split-second accuracy in reporting. Anyway, the term "fourth estate" was coined by English essayist Baron Thomas Macaulay in his essay "Constitutional History" in 1828 which refers to the members of the press. Accordingly, the other three were the kings, lords and commons in the 17th century.
By the way, aren't you afraid of history? Our actions may be recorded not only in the minds of those who know us but also be written in the pages of history. Someday, history will judge us! In other words, if we die, our good name and honor depend on what we do today. Honestly speaking, much of history is unknown, locked away in the dark. That's why our job as journalists is very, very crucial - to record the events of our time. Like solving chess or jigsaw puzzles, we can work in the shadows like some investigative journalists in search for truth. That's why journalists must possess the quality of an investigator, political analyst, accountant, psychologist, chessplayer, lawyer, actor, professor, historian, criminologist, sociologist, etc. As journalists, upholding the truth is not just our job. It is a responsibility which is parallel to our dignity. Yes, in our hands lies the history of today!
Being a journalist means daring to take risks. Why? Many people realize how powerful the press is and they fear it. Some resort to violence if their illegal activities or privacy have been criticized and published. Dangerous as it is, many journalists risked their own lives to expose the truth. Accuracy of the facts must be established in an expose', else those involved might retaliate and journalists can't defend themselves. Anyway, in this job, if you don't dare to take risks, you'll never get ahead. You don't just write what you like, but what the readers deserve to read because a newspaper or a magazine is not a diary. People want to know the truth and be informed on time.
Journalism really is a dangerous job as there were journalists who were killed or murdered while others became victims of physical assault in performing their duties. For the record, some of them are the following: Associated Press photojournalist Willy Vicoy, while riding with a military convoy, was killed in an NPA-conducted ambush in Cagayan province in 1986. Visayan Life Today journalist Josef A. Nava, known for his exposes on military's corruption and human rights abuses, was killed on Oct. 30, 1988 in Iloilo City. Reporter Jess Malabanan of Lider tabloid was tortured physically and psychologically. Elements of the PC Metrodiscom pierced his genitals with pliers sometime in 1990 in Olongapo. Former tabloid Balitang Bayan reporter Vilma Manzo, abducted by PAF intelligence agents on June 5, 1990, was sexually molested, tortured, starved and forced to sign certain self-incriminating documents within the main airbase of the Philippine Air Force. This year, Inquirer's Caloy Sanchez was mauled by responding policemen while performing his duty as photojournalist after a bank robbery. He was also shot in the chest allegedly by a WPD cop on Aug. 29, 1991 when he was still working with Dyaryo Filipino. Press Freedom editor 33-years old Ferdinand Reyes of Dipolog City was shot dead last Feb. 12. This daytime killing triggered journalists and media people to stage a protest-rally last April 30 pleading for justice. They denounce the murder of Reyes and 52 other journalists since 1988. This also made a newspaper state that "the Philippines is one of the most dangerous places for working journalist in the world". Correspondent Jose Tiongson of the Ilocano Observer was the latest of the victims. A lone gunman shot him dead last March 31. Other journalists have had their own death threats.
Is this the price of exposing and upholding the truth? Their death, physical injury, assault, harassment or intimidation should not discourage using performing our duties. As journalists, we must be ready to face all the consequences if we want to be honest in our job. Therefore, you people out there should understand us! Most especially if we write about your unscrupulous activities! That's how committed we are in this profession. Well, if you are committed in some wrongdoings, then that's not being committed, but kumitid! Kumitid ang utak!
In our job, we are guided by some popular sayings: "Batu-bato sa lansangan, tamaan na ang tamaan, basta't makatarungan!" and "Walang personalan! Trabaho lang!" We believe that "The truth shall set us free!" Our dear readers, this is our job: To expose and uphold the truth!
Aaaahhh... you're asking: At what price? One newspaper editorial, which discussed about vulgar journalism, stated, "Ask the publishers how many millions of pesos the highest leaders of the land have been paying them just to keep their mouth shut." I didn't say that we are working just for money. As I've said last issue, "If that's what you think I'm saying, I don't care! Because that’s your choice. "But I'll ask you. Can money buy happiness and sleep? Does the life of the oppressed and victims of injustices have a certain price? Can money buy peace of mind and conscience? Well, to tell you honestly, this is the price we understand: JUSTICE!!!
We just hope that we will not become judges and executioners to uphold the truth and seek social justice for the oppressed. We still believe that the law still exists and the cry for justice will always prevail. Anyway, for me, dangerous as it may seem, being a journalist is really exciting. That's why, like playing chess, we must calculate our moves precisely while analyzing its consequences. In any profession, if you know the risks, you can determine what price you'll get. As journalists, calculating the risks we may encounter is vitally important. It is best to know your job, the people around you, your enemies (if you have) as well as yourself and your capacity. Well, if you commit blunders, then you may die in just a wink of an eye!
Most journalists find great satisfaction and happiness when they give their readers the kind of articles they need (NOT what they want), as well as truth and analysis of different issues confronting us. At least in our own little way, we know we can help. Well, I just want to write and be an honest, but hardhitting, journalist who crusades for truth and justice. See you next issue. I'll be back.
by Gregorio V. Bituin Jr. from his column LINKS
The Featinean publication, June 1996, pages 46-47
Of Love and Shadows. This movie starring Jennifer Connelly and Antonio Banderas remarkably shows that the pen is mightier than the sword. Based on a true story, it depicts the courage and vigilance of a journalist and a photographer who took the risk of exposing the truth behind the atrocities committed by the fascist regime against the people of Chile. Investigative journalism in action, it really touched the journalist instinct in me. This movie is truly inspiring.
In my almost three years in The Featinean, I now realize that journalism will become a part of my life. As the noblest profession I know, I enjoy every millimeter of it. Becoming a member of the fourth estate is not an easy job and may discourage the new ones as it needs a lot of balls, patience, sacrifices, courage, perseverance, ability, and split-second accuracy in reporting. Anyway, the term "fourth estate" was coined by English essayist Baron Thomas Macaulay in his essay "Constitutional History" in 1828 which refers to the members of the press. Accordingly, the other three were the kings, lords and commons in the 17th century.
By the way, aren't you afraid of history? Our actions may be recorded not only in the minds of those who know us but also be written in the pages of history. Someday, history will judge us! In other words, if we die, our good name and honor depend on what we do today. Honestly speaking, much of history is unknown, locked away in the dark. That's why our job as journalists is very, very crucial - to record the events of our time. Like solving chess or jigsaw puzzles, we can work in the shadows like some investigative journalists in search for truth. That's why journalists must possess the quality of an investigator, political analyst, accountant, psychologist, chessplayer, lawyer, actor, professor, historian, criminologist, sociologist, etc. As journalists, upholding the truth is not just our job. It is a responsibility which is parallel to our dignity. Yes, in our hands lies the history of today!
Being a journalist means daring to take risks. Why? Many people realize how powerful the press is and they fear it. Some resort to violence if their illegal activities or privacy have been criticized and published. Dangerous as it is, many journalists risked their own lives to expose the truth. Accuracy of the facts must be established in an expose', else those involved might retaliate and journalists can't defend themselves. Anyway, in this job, if you don't dare to take risks, you'll never get ahead. You don't just write what you like, but what the readers deserve to read because a newspaper or a magazine is not a diary. People want to know the truth and be informed on time.
Journalism really is a dangerous job as there were journalists who were killed or murdered while others became victims of physical assault in performing their duties. For the record, some of them are the following: Associated Press photojournalist Willy Vicoy, while riding with a military convoy, was killed in an NPA-conducted ambush in Cagayan province in 1986. Visayan Life Today journalist Josef A. Nava, known for his exposes on military's corruption and human rights abuses, was killed on Oct. 30, 1988 in Iloilo City. Reporter Jess Malabanan of Lider tabloid was tortured physically and psychologically. Elements of the PC Metrodiscom pierced his genitals with pliers sometime in 1990 in Olongapo. Former tabloid Balitang Bayan reporter Vilma Manzo, abducted by PAF intelligence agents on June 5, 1990, was sexually molested, tortured, starved and forced to sign certain self-incriminating documents within the main airbase of the Philippine Air Force. This year, Inquirer's Caloy Sanchez was mauled by responding policemen while performing his duty as photojournalist after a bank robbery. He was also shot in the chest allegedly by a WPD cop on Aug. 29, 1991 when he was still working with Dyaryo Filipino. Press Freedom editor 33-years old Ferdinand Reyes of Dipolog City was shot dead last Feb. 12. This daytime killing triggered journalists and media people to stage a protest-rally last April 30 pleading for justice. They denounce the murder of Reyes and 52 other journalists since 1988. This also made a newspaper state that "the Philippines is one of the most dangerous places for working journalist in the world". Correspondent Jose Tiongson of the Ilocano Observer was the latest of the victims. A lone gunman shot him dead last March 31. Other journalists have had their own death threats.
Is this the price of exposing and upholding the truth? Their death, physical injury, assault, harassment or intimidation should not discourage using performing our duties. As journalists, we must be ready to face all the consequences if we want to be honest in our job. Therefore, you people out there should understand us! Most especially if we write about your unscrupulous activities! That's how committed we are in this profession. Well, if you are committed in some wrongdoings, then that's not being committed, but kumitid! Kumitid ang utak!
In our job, we are guided by some popular sayings: "Batu-bato sa lansangan, tamaan na ang tamaan, basta't makatarungan!" and "Walang personalan! Trabaho lang!" We believe that "The truth shall set us free!" Our dear readers, this is our job: To expose and uphold the truth!
Aaaahhh... you're asking: At what price? One newspaper editorial, which discussed about vulgar journalism, stated, "Ask the publishers how many millions of pesos the highest leaders of the land have been paying them just to keep their mouth shut." I didn't say that we are working just for money. As I've said last issue, "If that's what you think I'm saying, I don't care! Because that’s your choice. "But I'll ask you. Can money buy happiness and sleep? Does the life of the oppressed and victims of injustices have a certain price? Can money buy peace of mind and conscience? Well, to tell you honestly, this is the price we understand: JUSTICE!!!
We just hope that we will not become judges and executioners to uphold the truth and seek social justice for the oppressed. We still believe that the law still exists and the cry for justice will always prevail. Anyway, for me, dangerous as it may seem, being a journalist is really exciting. That's why, like playing chess, we must calculate our moves precisely while analyzing its consequences. In any profession, if you know the risks, you can determine what price you'll get. As journalists, calculating the risks we may encounter is vitally important. It is best to know your job, the people around you, your enemies (if you have) as well as yourself and your capacity. Well, if you commit blunders, then you may die in just a wink of an eye!
Most journalists find great satisfaction and happiness when they give their readers the kind of articles they need (NOT what they want), as well as truth and analysis of different issues confronting us. At least in our own little way, we know we can help. Well, I just want to write and be an honest, but hardhitting, journalist who crusades for truth and justice. See you next issue. I'll be back.
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