📸DateLine Philippines
First, there’s the dangerous assertion that because of the “rigorous training in the discipline and skills”, Vergel Santos pontificates that the information disseminated by a journalist is “truthful, well contextualized and not malicious”.
If that were true, then bloggers don’t stand a chance against journalists as far as credibility and following are concerned. As to why the many Filipinos follow bloggers, perhaps more than journalists, is because they have been had far too many times. In street jargon, nabudol.
One elephant in the room that Mr. Santos conveniently swept under the rug is the undeniable control and influence of big business and political powers over mainstream media. That being the case, it is obvious that they serve to promote and protect the interests of their owners. As to why Mr. Santos fails, or perhaps refuse to factor this, the next elephant gives us an idea.
The Center for Freedom and Responsibility has been identified as one of the beneficiaries of the National Endowment for Democracy. Manila Times columnist Rigoberto Tiglao in fact called out the CMFR as one of five entities funded by NED operating in the Philippines to give its side on the allegations but so far has not received any response whatsoever.
If the CMFR is what Tiglao claims it to be, then Santos is just being consistent with the institution to which he belongs. Unfortunately for him, his affiliation with CMFR has deprived him of the objectivity and fairness expected from people who have no agenda to promote notwithstanding his credentials, training and discipline.
Meanwhile, let Filipinos decide whom they will read, follow and believe at their own peril. Santos and journalists who think they alone deserve to be read and believed are in for a rude awakening. Last time we checked, the Philippines is still a democracy.
