Right of Reply: Affront to democracy

In theory, legislators pass laws in the interest of the public. Unfortunately, that is not the motive behind the right of reply bills, which practicing journalists fiercely opposed because a right-of-reply law would violate their constitutionally protected freedom of the press. But the havoc that a right-of-reply law would wreak would be more fatal to ordinary citizens who rely for information on the press or what is sweepingly called media.

Hail to Efren Peñaflorida, teacher

Teacher from Cavite picked as 'CNN Hero':

Efren Peñaflorida, a 27-year-old Filipino teacher and youth worker, has been named a “CNN Hero.”

The prestigious recognition, CNN said in a statement on Thursday, spotlights ordinary citizens around the world accomplishing “extraordinary deeds.”

Peñaflorida will be featured on CNN’s Larry King Live airing today at 6 p.m. (Manila time). Peñaflorida is the third of approximately 32 heroes to be unveiled this year.

Read his story in CNN: Pushcart classes help break gang chain

Arroyo vs. Arroyo

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is poised to veto the Right of Reply Bill--a bill whose principal sponsor is Senator Aquilino Pimentel. The bill seeks to give those criticized by the media an equal opportunity to hear their side by way of reply. And in the words of Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, who is also pushing for another version of Right of Reply Bill in the Lower House, the objective is "to level the playing field in journalism."

The purported vetoing of the bill by Ms. Arroyo is a reckless political maneuver, precisely aimed at gaining "brownie points from the media." By vetoing the bill, Mrs. Arroyo would appear as though she is a champion of the press. Thus, she'll be spared from the critical eye of the media.

But no, says Senator Joker Arroyo. “Even if the President sides with the media on this, she will still be attacked by the media,” Mr. Arroyo was quoted as saying.

My first post at RP 2010

I recently joined in RP2010: The Election Watchblog. It is the brainchild of Oliver "Blogie" Robillo, convenor of Mindanao Bloggers community. RP2010 is a collective work of bloggers that:

endeavors to be the poll watchdog for the Philippine Presidential Elections in the year 2010...

My first post there was about Davao City politics of course, arguing that, however faulty the logic seems to be for choosing Inday Sara, Davaoeños can still opt for her. That is, if one condition is met---the condition being if the mayoralty race would be a tossup between Inday Sara and Speaker Nograles.

Lust for public office

Published in Mindanao Times 7/29/08

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) has barely two years left before she will step down from her office. By that time, we will once again have an election, which has become “the arbiter of political succession.”

To the people, it is still early for aspirants to make frantic noise. Yet the sight of politicos—presidentiables, those seeking reelection, and those eyeing for a seat in Congress—endorsing commercial products, is a subtle indication that the race for 2010 election is on. Indeed, election campaign has began, albeit not officially.