Lawmaker seeks to commend media for papal visit coverage

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers sought yesterday to commend the Philippine media for their “high-impact” coverage of the five-day visit of Pope Francis and the public for its vigilance and discipline that made his brief stay safe and successful.

Reps. Samuel Pagdilao of ACT-CIS party-list, Romeo Acop of Antipolo City, Leopoldo Bataoil of Pangasinan, and Ashley Acedillo and Gary Alejano of Magdalo party-list filed House Resolution 1823 commending local journalists and Filipinos in general for contributing to the peaceful visit of the pope.

“From the time the Vicar of Christ arrived up to his departure, the Philippine media has made it possible to bring the pontiff and his message of love, mercy and compassion to every Filipino home, thereby multiplying the reach of the apostolic gatherings in Manila and in Leyte,” the lawmakers said.

“The full media coverage of the Papal visit brought to fore the awakening of the spiritual consciousness of the Filipino people as God’s children, uniting the entire country in purpose and faith,” they said.

They added the Philippine media, known for their aggressive information gathering, put aside fierce competition and joined the people for the purpose of delivering the messages of the pope.

The media coverage of the papal visit also helped the government reach out to the public on all matters that generally promoted discipline, vigilance, and cooperation among the people.