FORMER Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stressed the significant role of media in society, but also criticized them for failing to fulfill their duties.
‘‘It is truly important when they uphold their obligation,’’ according to Atty. Harry Roque, Former Presidential Spokesperson.
The role of media in society is extremely important.
This was emphasized by former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, as the World Press Freedom Day is celebrated today.
However, he is sad about the current situation in the mainstream media.
“Now, it seems like they are forfeiting their obligation and duty because they are silent on the hot issues faced by Marcos, Jr,” Atty. Roque said.
During the 2022 elections, almost all mainstream media reportedly criticized Marcos left and right.
But now, according to Roque:
“Now, they are all silent. They all hail to the president.”
“Now, the mainstream media is very quiet on the issue of PDEA leaks. There are few reports, but they seem forced. there are no commentators writing about the PDEA leaks except for one.”
Roque is sad that the only media entity that gave him a chance to be heard during the last election, SMNI, seems to have been stripped of its franchise due to the indefinite suspension imposed by the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC.
“Here in the Philippines, our problem is still the suppression of press freedom because the franchise of SMNI is suspended for an unlimited time, which is tantamount to revoking the franchise,” Roque added.
In a recent senate hearing on the suspension of SMNI’s franchise, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas admitted that it has caused a chilling effect on the broadcast industry.
