Confused journalist(s)
I came across an old video of President Duterte having a run-in with Rappler reporter Pia Ranada. I know the sequencing of the names in the preceding sentence may be a little skewed and off whack. But judging by the demeanor of Ranada in the video, I think it is justified and appropriate to construct the sentence that way.
Now, it may be a little late to comment on an incident that is not exactly current. But while it is already past, there are fresh and continuing lessons to be learned from the incident, not only for journalists but for everybody else when dealing with others. For the incident is remarkable for the complete absence of respect, courtesy, and decency shown by one to the other.
I will not try to narrate how the incident went as it can be Googled and viewed on YouTube by those who missed it, or viewed again by those who may want a second look. Let me just say, however, that scandalized is too tame a word to describe the feelings of this old journalist steeped in the Dos and Don'ts of how to behave, even if one is a journalist.
Let me correct that by saying --especially if one is a journalist. Because to be a journalist carries with it great responsibility. To say that the Pen is mightier than the Sword is an understatement. A Sword can kill swiftly. But the Pen can make its victim suffer a thousand deaths before actually dying. Hence the need to recognize its power that its use might be tempered for good.
Unfortunately, it is this tremendous power that makes its wielder also weak and vulnerable. Many journalists succumb to the inherent flaws by allowing power to dominate the head instead of ruling the heart. They think they own the power when in fact it is just loaned to them. They forget journalism is just a matter of employment. It is a job that can be lost. It is not a birthright.
When Ranada confronted Duterte, she forgot one absolutely essential thing. She was face-to-face with the president. Now, she may believe in her heart that Duterte is an ogre. And it might even be granted, for the sake of argument, that she is right. But unlike Ranada who is employed by only a handful of investors, Duterte has a mandate from millions of Filipinos.
Ranada failed to consider that each time she deprived Duterte the respect, courtesy and decency that his office demanded, she also did so to the millions who voted him into that office. Journalism is not an entitlement. Ranada had to pass a test and interview to practice it, like any other job or profession. One day she will cease to be one. But Duterte will be president forever.
It is history that will eventually judge Duterte, not Rappler or Ranada or any other journalist. What we journalists are only allowed to do is report the facts, not impose our will or insist on our preconceived notions of what we think is right or the truth. When we face our sources, we are blank sheets to be filled up, not completed treatises we force our sources to sign.
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