The State of our Democracy

Following updates on the murder of Percy Mabasa, more popularly known as radio broadcaster Percy Lapid, eight persons tagged in the case are now under the custody of authorities. A second and independent autopsy has also been performed by top Philippine forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun, but no results have been released yet at this time. We should be closely watching the developments in this case.

The situation of journalists in the country has been under the world spotlight since the Duterte Administration. The Philippines remains to be a dangerous country for these modern-day prophets of truth and press freedom. Under the Duterte presidency alone, twenty-one (21) journalists have been murdered. The red-tagging of journalists continues to send a message of fear and repression to those practicing the profession. However, from this period of repression came the Philippines’ first Nobel Peace Prize awardee, Maria Ressa. This is the ultimate message she gives us: that freedom of the press is worth fighting for.

The state of Philippine press freedom is a reflection of the state of our democracy. Without media reporting of the issues that concern the public, the accountability of the government to its people disintegrates-thus weakening the development of our democratic processes.

It is imperative that the Percy Lapid murder be resolved, and the perpetrators of the crime be brought to justice.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IS NOT JUST IMPORTANT TO DEMOCRACY. IT IS DEMOCRACY” -Walter Cronkite

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“THEN YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE” -John 8:32