from an evening student

Mind Metamorphosis
By: CJ (student # 3)
(unedited by blog administrator)
For purposes of fulfilling the requirements of Media Ethics and Law (M230)
UPCollege of
Mass Communication         Correct me if I am wrong but I think First Gentleman Mike Arroyo seems to be implying (sic) a solid message against our media. Filing libel suits and suing 43+ journalists, editors, publishers and more is his answer to all the media people who dare try to oppose him.         As far as we know, the law of libel exists to protect one’s reputation. However, I’ve observed here in the
Philippines that libel has been used by influential people (uso sa mga sosyal) to cast a chilling effect to/on their oppositions who try to scrutinize their every act. Obviously, this  what (sic) has been done by the First Gentleman. 

        Though Mr. Arroyo has the right to defend his dignity, honor and privacy, I guess he should also know that he is not a private and ordinary individual. (Haller!) After all, he’s the husband of the most powerful leader in our land, and even heads the Office of the First Gentleman that dwells (sic) to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized Filipinos (www.ops.gov.ph/jma), thus making his works and deeds directly involved to (sic) the interest, issues and concern of the public . With all these things, he is considered a public figure and a public official.         And as a public figure and official, he should be ready to (sic) the critical eyes of the public, because when you are such, the right of privacy is reduced and of course the more the public would want to know your every move so that they would know if you’re fit for public office.          For me, the story written by Concepcion Paez entitled “Will She Now Change?” is not libelous. Though she wrote that most people said that Mike Arroyo is the “problem” of the president because of his influence in governance and his perceived crookedness, I guess, this article is true and written without malice. (my reason why I wote (sic) such? Well, judging from the author’s sources, specific details, I think, the (sic) she painstakingly made a lot of research and effort before she could wrote (sic) such.         The abuse of power by influential people sometimes becomes inevitable in our everyday life, most specifically, to (sic) media people. Though fear may reside in a media person’s heart, I believe, he should still be calmed. As Amado Macasaet of Malaya stated, “If a media person writes his stories in his best lights and is guided only by the perception of truth, he should not worry at all”…”He should get sound sleep if in his heart he knew that he did his job the way it should be done.”         If FG Mike Arroyo is really implying (sic) a message against media, I guess then it’s about time that he reflects and thinks twice about his imposing actions. After all, it’s about time that he should be reminded that it is with the help of media that his wife was seated in power and that’s why he’s enjoying such privilege right now….          Again, correct me if I am wrong, this is just my morphing thought.