Guingona says press are athletes for truth

CEBU, Philippines - Beat journalists are recognized  as “athletes for truths”, who run and chase after the truth everyday and today’s hero in the journalism profession.

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona II said that beat journalists are athletic, who are always running and chasing after people, events and stories and are the forefront of news gathering.

“Long ago, I wonder why you are called beat reporters. That was until I found out that often, you get ‘beaten up’ during your coverage, literally and figuratively. Some of you are married are probably also beaten up at home,” Guingona said in a jest.

Guingona was the guest speaker of the 13th general assembly and induction of officers of the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists held at Cebu Parklane International Hotel yesterday.

Guingona, who is the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which is currently investigating the pork barrel scam, said that beat journalists are the ones who have to see those events first-hand and the ones responsible for making sure that the news that reach the public are accurate and at the same time interesting, without sacrificing the integrity of the story.

“You are subject to many pressures. Yes, you get beaten-up  a lot. You are scolded by your editors. You are betrayed by your assets and sources. Your interviewees lie to you. Your publishers expect you to generate as many stories as humanly possible. You must really be in love with the journalistic profession to allow yourselves  to be subjected to such pressure,” said Guingona.

Guingona also likened the beat journalists as like him being the chairman of the said committee, who chase after the truth and considered beat journalists as the “blue ribbon committee of the streets”.

Guingona hailed Cebu media as “second to none” for being united, wherein all media practitioners are gathered as one in celebration of the week-long Press Freedom Week, the only in the country.

Meanwhile, the new set of officers of CFBJ were also inducted by Guingona.

Over a hundred members of CFBJ composed of reporters, cameramen and photojournalists attended the general assembly. — (FREEMAN)