Opinion 6/10/16 (Philippines, journalism, Duterte, security, Church, Catholicism, society, politics)

Sun.Star Cebu's Carvajal: "Presidential"

AS THE saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. That is basically what post-modern sociology means when it defines man/woman as a “social construct,” a product of the society he/she was born into.
It remains true that man/woman is a rational being. But how this being behaves in ground zero, like how irrational he gets over some issues, is programmed into him by the social milieu. Free will would be what sociology refers to as “agency” or the ability to get out of the conventional mould and become your own man or woman. Thus, a nation’s establishment protects the system that affords it so much power, wealth and privilege by promoting a culture of submission to, dependence on and acceptance of the existing social order. Through this dominating culture, it subconsciously “constructs” society’s children into submissive, accepting and unquestioning members of their society’s way of doing things and of giving meaning to what it does.
The Catholic religion, a core element of our culture, plays a crucial role in maintaining our social order. It can and it does promote acceptance of poverty as God’s will. Also, to neutralize change agents, the establishment not only labels them as “leftist” but also makes the word synonymous with communism, a godless ideology the Church abhors. Thus many bishops who are part of the establishment just look the other way when activist Christians are persecuted who are not communists but simply believers in more equitable systems. [full text]

Manila Times's Tiglao "Press-conference and press-release journalism"

PRESIDENT Duterte is doing media a big favor by refusing – for “now”, his aide said – to hold regular press conferences. Apparently he would not put up with what he interpreted as insults that come with impertinent questions such as those thrown at him by one or two reporters in a previous encounter with the press. Competitive, veteran journalists actually hate press conferences, as they’re transformed into mere stenographers or tape recorders in such events, where the  “best” journalism would only involve simple accuracy in relaying word for word what was said in the event, and, especially for “wire” reporters, speed, in doing that. Greenhorn reporters or those with huge egos, though, enjoy such events as they provide them a chance to put excitement in their little lives when they can get a VIP to tremble at their question. Such was the case with a mediocre stringer who finally had her moment of glory that had until then been so elusive to her career, when she asked President Arroyo at a press conference, “How is your sex-life, Madame President?” (The news, of course, turned out to be about her and her question, and not the President’s answer.) Competitive journalists, however, do appreciate reporters asking questions in press conferences, as long as they’re not inane and take up too much time.[full text]