(A Reflection regarding Maria Ressa's "We Are Journalist First" article)
Marie Elaine S. Cruz
After I have read the article, the first thing that comes onto my mind is that, Maria Ressa just wanted to say to the public that they are just doing what their job is and not to protect someone or something because the public has the right to know all the information about the happenings around us. I agree to Ms. Maria Ressa when she said on the article the statement “If we do our jobs well, all Filipinos will benefit. If we do our jobs well, we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes.” It is not only them who will benefit from it but also the Filipinos who are innocent. If we all have the right to information, then we can lessen illegal acts of the higher authority which can lead to political illegal issues for example, corruptions.
I can’t help but admire Ms. Maria Ressa for what she has said on the article. She is a journalist and it is her duty to tell the public the issues between ABS-CBN and Meralco and the Arroyo Administration. Even though she works for ABS-CBN, she still strongly told the public the issue about it. She was right when she said the statement “We are Journalist first” because although she works for ABS CBN, it doesn’t mean that she will protect the station. She’s just doing her job as a journalist.
I believe that as a journalist, you should maintain your credibility. You should be aware that the public will trust all the words that will come out in your mouth and especially all the writings that you will write because you are the only person that has the power to tell them all the issues that they the right to know.
The article made me realize that, in our field, it is much important to prioritize the rights of the public to have an access to information especially if it is all about political issues. Let us not make the public be blinded with it. It is our duty and responsibility to open their eyes to what they have to see.
