Letter to the Editor - Media payoffs

Talks that media personalities are told to keep tight-lipped, with the right prize are spreading like wildfire. Purportedly, the palace is using its resources and funds to pay these media men to bring to a halt the criticisms being hurled against the embattled administration. In turn they instead will support the President and propel her image.

The President's approval rating have been in its record lows recently. As president, she has all the ways and means to reconfigure her tarnished image. True or not, the allegation that the Palace is paying off different media personalities is a contention that the President is indeed in deep trouble and she is in a defensive stance. They are obviously using this as a counter-attack, (whatever we call it) a sort of a damage control.

Unscrupulous and media "wannabes" will then take this prospect and turn themselves into "AC-DC" mode (Attack and Collect, Defend and Collect). A few weeks ago, columnists from different national and local newspapers had tongue-lashings against the President. But there was a change in harmony weeks later. These media personalities have become the front-liners for the President.

It's disheartening to note that "turncoatism" has already plagued the media, just because of monetary considerations. I do anticipate that credible media men will not be swayed by money and live up to the expectations as members of the Fourth Estate.
Jesson J. Morata
MBEAB Lapu-Lapu City