Aquino tells media to police own ranks

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino did not spare the media in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday as he called on them to be responsible and to police their own ranks, being members of a deregulated industry.

But at the same time, the President assured them he would end “extra-legal killings” where media people were victims.

“We must understand that now is a time for sacrifice. It is this sacrifice that will pave the way for a better future. With our freedom comes our responsibility to do good unto our fellowman and to our country.

“To our friends in media, especially those in radio and print, to the block-timers and those in our community newspapers, I trust that you will take up the cudgels in policing your own,” Aquino said.

“May you give new meaning to the principles of your vocation: to provide clarity to pressing issues; to be fair and truthful in your reporting, and to raise the level of discourse with the public,” he said.

The President also reported that authorities had already identified the suspects in the killing of media practitioners Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio and Miguel Belen, three of the six incidents of extra-legal killings since he assumed the presidency.

“Fifty percent of these incidents of extra-legal killings are now on their way to being resolved. We will not stop the pursuit of the remaining half of these killings until justice has been achieved,” Aquino said.

“We will hold murderers accountable. We will also hold those who are corrupt that work in government accountable for their actions,” he said.

Aquino called on the people to remain vigilant, stressing that it was every Filipino’s duty to closely watch the leaders that they elected.

“I encourage everyone to take a step towards participation rather than meddling. The former takes part in finding a solution; from the latter, only never-ending complaints,” Aquino said.

“We have always known that the key to growth is putting the interest of others before one’s own. One thing is clear: how do we move forward if we keep putting others down?  

“How will those without education secure quality jobs? How will the unemployed become consumers? How will they save money for their future needs?” he asked.

The President said that if all of these were changed, and “if we prioritize enabling others, we will open a world of opportunities not just for ourselves but for those who direly need it.”

Aquino said the Philippines had already begun the process of change, “and we are now able to dream of better things for our country.”

‘We can all dream again’

“Let us not forget that there are those who wish us to fail, so that they will once again reclaim power to do as they please at the expense of our people. I believe that God and the people have brought us to where we are now. While we focus on uplifting the lives of our fellow men, we are assured of blessings and guidance from God Almighty. If we truly believe that we have God on our side, is there anything that we cannot endure?” he said.

“The mandate we received last May 10 is testament to the fact that the Filipino continues to hope for true change. The situation is not what it was before; we can all dream again. Let us all become one in achieving fulfillment of our hopes and aspirations for our country,” Aquino said.