Meaningful

The Palace took its time to congratulate Maria Ressa on winning the Nobel Peace Prize. The entire country except for the die-hard supporters of this government rejoiced at Ressa being the first Filipino Nobel Laureate. Maybe the Palace discussed how to greet Ressa, a well-known critic of the Duterte administration, without losing face. And true enough after congratulating her, they pat themselves on the back by stating there is no crab mentality in the Palace. Roque adds Ressa's achievement is not a slap on them because there is freedom of the press in the country. They had to mention Ressa's ongoing cyber libel case for good measure. Then I should mention the Philippines is seen as one of the dangerous countries for journalists. In the 2021 World Press Freedom Index, we rank 138 out of 180 countries. Not something to be proud of.

"Thanks, but no thanks" was Ressa's response to the Palace's greeting. This is not surprising given the case she is facing where she believes the government was behind it to silence and intimidate her. She has also been on the receiving end of President Duterte's harsh words. The PSG once threatened a female journalist of Rappler. The administration trolls are now busy downplaying and disparaging Ressa's award on social media.

In a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station last August, more than half of Filipinos believe it is dangerous to publish criticism of this administration. Be it in print, opinion pieces, on social media, as well as in casual conversations. No other administration but this has emboldened its supporters to be arrogant, combative, fomented hate, and even encouraged and threatened criminal intent. Duterte also cursed journalists when he did not like the questions asked. He has insulted and threatened legislators not allied with him, or when investigations into his friends are conducted such as the ongoing Pharmally investigation.

The award was given to Ressa because she did not back down from all the challenges and dangers faced by simply telling the truth, asking questions, and making both government and the private sector accountable for misdeeds. The same is true of Dmitry Muratov who shares the Nobel Peace Prize with her, as he confronts Vladimir Putin, Duterte's idol, in reporting the truth in Russia. The last time the Nobel was awarded to a journalist was in 1935, making this achievement all the more meaningful. The Senate should rightly confer the Medal of Excellence to Ressa, even as I'm sure there those allied with Duterte will ignore the call. Petty, to be honest. If athletes were given the medal, Ressa is a much deserving recipient.