MEDIA MUSINGS. Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media Chairman Robinhood Padilla calls attention to the role of media amidst current international and domestic rifts at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on April 25, 2024. Photo by Andres Bonifacio
When the watchdogs of journalism slither at the backs of the firing firearms, they begin to serve their purpose, like an all-seeing eye under the mist of warfare confusion. However, that very eye is one unclean of any wrongdoings. In an era where social media equips the public with the arms of voice, even the lies among the truth cannot remain silent.
On April 25, Senator Robin Padilla voiced his perspectives on the role of media in disseminating information amidst times of war and conflict. Along with plans to further define this role in similar chair meetings, the senator pleaded to the media to focus on broader international perspectives to ensure preparation against warfare events among the public.
“Geopolitical na po kasi ang ating sitwasyon ngayon. Alam naman po natin na may nagaganap ngayon na balikatan,” says Padilla. The senator also highlighted the importance of distinguishing domestic and international narratives, emphasizing that there is a need to circulate media information through the government to create a “united voice” and eliminate fear among the public.
Bearing the Bark
In an atmosphere such as warfare disinformation where the truth costs potential danger, the media becomes caged in a dog-eat-dog world of barking nations. It is both a test and testament of faith to become the voice of the public, as the convergence of media and warfare stretches beyond the pale that would cost the eternal silence of the seeing eyes. Padilla recognizes the importance of this role in disbanding the fears that strike the public when war becomes overshadowed.
However, a patriotic demand for a united voice seems picturesque when war causes rifts among the very subjects of the eye. When asked if the media should be careful in carrying on this role, Padilla exclaims “Ay, hindi po!”
Without warning, these watchdogs become stuck on a leash, fenced by the pressures of donning their purpose to capture the truth and averting the dangers that come with it. It may seem easy for the anticipating public servants such as Padilla, but when work takes place inside the battlefield, the question becomes a matter of possibility and life.
Biting the Hand
In a seeming lack of faith in the mainstream media, Padilla points to the emergence of social media and these so-called bloggers donning the same role. “Mas magandang kausapin din namin ang mga bloggers,” says Padilla. From being a severed form of public forum, social media became armed with a purposed voice, perhaps one that would surpass the traditional.
However, a simple right of passage to the diverse public might be one that would lead to greater chaos in these times of civil unrest. If not serving as weapons of truth, bloggers become weaponized with devious perspectives, with the power to wield the truth and turn its barrels upside down.
“Kapayapaan pa rin. Kasi wala tayong makukuha sa conflict. Di naman siguro mahirap yan gawin na kahit tayo sinasabi natin ready kami, pero nandoon pa rin lagi na ang Pilipino mahal natin ang kapayapaan,” says Padilla. However, through the test of greed and ethics, peace can always be overridden. In the realms of social media, the prices to pay are without any dignity when disinformation spews from the mouths of the anonymous.
Suddenly, the press becomes baffled with a question: when faith is placed in both the media and its sneaky opponent, can they still don the same role? Perhaps the answer to that question heeds a dig into the past when journalists back in the days of censorship were chastened against their own will. However, as long as the podium of truth becomes accessible to everyone, what to expect with the next watchdogs will always be a surprise. One of these days, these new watchdogs might soon bite the hands that fed them.
The Visionary 
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