Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City
23 November 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino lll talked about two areas that will enable the media to produce tangible outcomes for greater public trust during the 9th MediaNation Summit for the Philippine News Media held at Taal Vista Resort, Tagaytay City.
First, he talked about the need for consistent standards in the media. The President referred to specific guidelines that will address questions on parameters concerning endorsements, requirements for sources, and the conduct of media person, among others.
“It falls upon you to enlighten the public further on the difference between opinion and reportage. These days, the line between the two seems thin and easily crossed. This is already a topic of debate within your ranks, which perhaps gives you an added impetus to settle the issues once and for all,” he added.
Secondly, with the summit’s theme as “Corruption in Media,” President Aquino discussed on corruption in the media industry. He said that temptation of corruption will be eliminated through providing rightful compensation.
“The reporter bears the brunt of having to find stories, source information, and craft reports that find their way to our countrymen. Given the hard work they do and the high standards everyone should demand of them, it becomes legitimate to ask whether their pay and benefits are commensurate to the highest standards of integrity demanded of them,” the President stated.
He also expressed the government’s intention to work with the media sector towards advancement and protection of their profession citing his administration’s efforts to bring justice to the victims of the Maguindanao massacre.
President Aquino suggested to the media people to have faith and optimism in Filipinos in facing the challenges of being the fourth estate wherein they are expected to vet facts, provide objective reportage and speak of the truth.
“Allow me to suggest that the same reason I have grown in faith and optimism about the country’s prospects should be the same reason for you to have faith and optimism in your industry’s potential: the Filipino people. They are clamoring for change; and they can tell whenever one of us is being fair or unfair, reasonable or unreasonable. Our core values should not be any different from that of our people. They do not want this country to fail,” the President said.
Other officials present in the event are Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary (PCDSPO) Ramon Carandang Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, PCDSPO Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino and respected media personalities.
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