The Fourth Estate is composed of the members of the media, who use various means of mass communication such as radio, television, newspapers, and the Internet. It is a force in society with the capability to change the political culture to observe high morals, especially those in government, for the common good.
However, in the hands of some personalities who are out to use the “power of media” to “attack and collect”, the role of the media is diminished when they are used by politicians to defend themselves, by immoral means, against any form of criticism.
Some of these media have become mouthpieces and even powerbrokers who wield tremendous connections with the powerful politicians.
While it may be difficult for an individual to challenge a perceived act of corruption in government, the role of the media dictates that it is their journalistic duty to shed light on the issue of the proper use of public funds.
Recently, the publication of the latest ruling from the Commission on Audit on the Negros Oriental Calamity Fund 2012 is an example of an exercise of good journalism “so the people may know”, as the report is a matter of public concern.
The reportage was the only means whereby the people can hold public officials to account for the funds received for a calamity.
There are government rules and regulations which are quite strict. It is important that the threshold level wherein the crime can be defined as plunder, a non-bailable offense, is at least P75+ million (P75,000,000.) — and the amount released to the Province which was to be accounted for is treble that amount, more or less.
How come the Fourth Estate in Dumaguete has been lukewarm in exposing the issue on graft and corruption?
The news and public affairs program in the media should seek to inform and educate the constituents on current events and issues, rather than to serve as mouthpieces for politicians or interests groups.
The media have an unbridled power to mold public opinion, to keep the government officials honest, and functioning according to their sacred oath as public servants.
At present, the more noisy, daring, and promoters of propaganda seem to have succeeded in suppressing the truth, or adulterating the facts to their ends, distorting perceptions, to produce a bandwagon or halo effect.
Just listen to blocktimer radio programs; they have the highest media reach in the far-flung barrios, feeding half truths to the most gullible citizens who are kept blind and ignorant to the truth.
This is why the members of the Kapisanan ng Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in Dumaguete is challenged to police its ranks, including those who have access/use of the airwaves, print, or television.
The result of the lack of “fiscalizers” is massive corruption, and abuse of power, which have gone beyond the realm of credulity.
The strength of a democracy lies in the informed, involved citizenry, civil society, which draws its information from the media.
The civil society in Dumaguete is calling on media practitioners and those who use the media to spread its propaganda to uphold the tenets set forth in the Broadcast Code of the Philippines, as amended in 2011.
And those among the media in Dumaguete who have abided by the ethical standards of the press, please step forward and take a bow.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
