RP’s killing fields

What has become of what was once considered as Asia’s freest press? The statistics is chilling and the place is starting to look like a killing field. The enemies of the press have been gunning down at least one journalist a month since the start of the year. The last one was just a week apart from the other, and it’s sounding like a common occurrence.

A total of 24 brazen murders in the last 17 months. All told, we have lost 66 members of the Philippine media since the time we started harping about our restored democracy in 1986. Is this the price of the democracy restored by the so-called people power?

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines could not be more right when it says that press freedom in this country remains a myth. That the country’s Fourth Estate enjoys the respect and privileges of operating in a working democracy is an illusion.

And we all thought we got rid of a dictator and overcame the days of martial law and tyranny.

A Handout Is A Palliative Response

As a matter of course, President Arroyo ordered police authorities to get the brains of the media murders pronto. However, after being hounded no end for answers and plans of action, President Arroyo and House Speaker de Venecia, in response, forked out P5 million for the establishment of a Press Freedom Fund.

This sounds more like a welfare fund for journalists living on the edge of poverty. While it is good politics to assist the grieving families affected by the crimes, more than handout and palliative measures are expected from the government.

The NUJP hits it squarely on the nail when it issued a statement saying that there are no shortcuts to press freedom. The murder of journalists or human rights activists or advocates against illegal gambling, illegal drugs, illegal logging and graft and corruption will only stop when it is clearly demonstrated by government that these organized crimes will not be allowed to flourish and perpetrators will be pursued relentlessly without discrimination or bias for sacred cows.

The NUJP pointed out that members of the press are killed by powerful and very rich individuals and groups involved in crime and corruption. "These groups are not just enemies of press freedom; they are enemies of the Filipino people," their statement stressed.

For NUJP, the Press Freedom Fund is "a step to resolving the country’s press freedom crisis" but definitely "is not the solution."

An Unwanted International Show

The spate of murders of media people in the Philippines is now catching the attention of international media watchdogs. Reporters Without Borders, an international media organization, will send a fact-finding team to investigate the killings of journalists in the country, a report from radio Australia disclosed. Already, the New York City-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) branded the Philippines as the "most murderous country for journalists."

Another watchdog, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which counts over 500,000 journalist-members in 110 countries, likewise scored the national leadership for what it perceived as the lack of drive to get to the bottom of the murders.

IFJ chief Christopher Warren noted that attempts to silence members of the free press are escalating in the Philippines, and that the government must take immediate action to protect journalist from further attacks.

Ineffective Judicial System

The extent of money and influence interfering with the justice system, it seems, is yet another matter that continues to paint a bad picture of the country in the international arena. A recent survey on the effectiveness of the judicial system of countries in the region attested to this view. The Philippines is now ranked much lower than Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand after our ratings fell sharply compared to previous years.

A waning trust on the judicial system and doubts on the effectiveness of crime fighting agencies make it more difficult to solve these media killing incidences. Trying to get the brains behind the killings is nearly impossible as most witnesses feel that it does not pay to stick ones head out since police or court protection is not assured.

"Too many of those who risk their lives and livelihood to bear witness to the truth have found themselves under fire. Some have actually been killed," the NUJP pointed out.

Indeed, in this age of living dangerously, a speck of uncertainty or threat can be grounds enough for tourists and investors bound for the Philippines to conveniently look the other way.

Being a part of mass media and knowing quite a number of media practitioners nationwide, I can only wish that members of the media and government would forge sturdier links in a bid to preserve peace, democracy and the overall well being of this country.

As we wait with bated breath for the next media killing incidence, I can’t help recall the words of a journalist, "What happens to our sector is a reflection of the state of the nation."

All Eyes Are On Commissioner Lina

As expected from a new incumbent, Commissioner Bert Lina is pushing for the implementation of reforms in the Bureau of Customs. New procedures are being introduced to reduce face to face transactions and optimize the use of IT systems. With less human intervention, opportunities for graft and corruption in processing transactions are also expected to be reduced

Lina believes that the streamlining of procedures coupled with better staff supervision should result in a more efficient flow of goods in and out of the customs area. Part of the efficiency enhancement plan of the new commissioner is to develop the port area where the Custom’s main office is located to facilitate traffic flow and improve the overall working environment.

Obtaining much-needed funds for facilities upgrading, IT expansion, and re-development of the customs area is just one of the major challenges that Lina will have to grapple with. Of course, cleansing the bureau of corruption tops the list.

Join us in "BREAKING BARRIERS" on Wednesday, 8th June 2005, IBC-TV13 (11 p.m.), and gain insights into the views of Customs Commissioner Bert Lina on various issues related to the BoC and the impact of the bureauís role on the Philippine economy. Watch it.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 4th Floor, 156 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reygamboa@linkedge.biz. If you wish to view the previous columns, you may visit my website at http://bizlinks.linkedge.biz.