Hope for the press

Peter Wallace, former president of the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, rebuked the Philippine press of irresponsible journalism in the face of social, political and economic instability in the country. As an example of this, he cites the reportage of coup plots which have no basis whatsoever aside from rumors and war-mongering of publicity-hungry politicians and political wanna-bes. The editorial of the Phil. Daily Inquirer today, however, shows how the press can, instead, aid efforts in boosting the people's morale, as a way of cultivating a people's identity and a state's sovereign independence.

The Philippines has held fast to its emerging, more independent policies, and retained the moral advantage in its relations with Australia. For our officials to back down now would only send a message that our reaction to Australian rhetoric was merely emotional pique, and not a substantive difference. Most of all, it would send the message to the Australian government that we are easily bamboozled. Only say a nice word, and Manila is all but ready to dance to Canberra's tune.

Congratulations are, I believe, in order. We need more of this kind of analysis and responsible treatment of news. However, the Palace needs to catch up, as can be seen in this article on ABS-CBN news.