Cebu media told to uphold truth

CEBU, Philippines —  In line with the 26th Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration, officials of Cebu City urged members of the Cebu Media to stand for “truth, fairness, and impartiality.”

Councilor Sisinio Andales said media must continue upholding professional and ethical principles of journalism.

“Media must stand for truth, fairness, and impartiality. ” he said.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, for his part, said the media have been an effective “guardians” of morality in public service. 

“I wish to congratulate Cebu media for being very effective guardians of morality in public service. You have helped us a lot, public officials. You have helped us observe the very important tenets of public office that public office is a public trust, that all public officials are accountable to the people at all times,” he said. 

Labella said Cebu media have been vital in monitoring the conduct of government officials, making sure the latter are accountable and transparent in their duties and responsibilities. 

“In other words, you’re (media) our daily mirror in everything that we do in connection with the performance of our public functions,” he said. 

The vice mayor said media should continue being vigilant watchdogs of society and continue to perform their jobs “effectively and efficiently.”

Moreover, City Councilor Joel Garganera said the media have been “very efficient” as fourth pillar of the society.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña said both public officials and members of Cebu media know their responsibilities. 

“We have a duty to do right? We have a job to do and so do we and hopefully we can do it together. Hopefully that we do know what we’re supposed to do,” she added. 

For almost three decades now, the media in Cebu celebrate press freedom every third week of September.

The annual activity serves as a reminder of the September 21 declaration of martial law in the Philippines and recognizes the significant role of community media as watchdog of government and catalyst for social change.

This year’s celebration has been special after the Senate approved House Bill No. 5688, penned by Cebu City North District Representative Raul del Mar, declaring September 21 as Cebu Press Freedom Day and a special working holiday in Cebu City and entire Cebu province.

Following its approval on the third and final reading earlier this month, the measure will be endorsed to the bicameral committee. After, it will be submitted to the Office of the President for approval. 

 Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, said the approval of the bill would remind people to continue the fight for press freedom. 

Also, he said the legislation meant to raise awareness on the importance of freedom of the press and to remind the government of its duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. 

 “Kikilalanin po ng estado ang inyong mahalagang papel bilang katuwang ng gobyerno at ng mamamayan,” he said.   — KBQ  (FREEMAN)