Media Monitor: The Daily Tribune on assembly against Marcos' burial

(Old)

The Daily Tribune in a news article on August 15 titled "Small yellow group raps Du30 tack on Marcos burial," narrates the assembly of people at Luneta Park against the burial of late president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The Daily Tribune

The problem comes when writer Ted Tuvera labeled some protesters, most of whom were anti-Marcos groups and other separate individuals, as the "yellow" supporters of former president Benigno Aquino III. It was as if the writer implied that the rally was politically motivated, without mentioning that other than yellow being the color of the so-called Aquino oligarchy, it is also the color used during the first EDSA Revolution which ousted the late president and dictator. Hence, it is wrong to say that those who wore yellow at the Luneta Park were Aquino supporters.

Second, the writer added tone in his article, such as on the line, "But Malacañang chose to shrug off the outcome of the rally which attracted only at most hundreds of rallyists," using the word "only" as if implying that the protest was defeated and unimportant based on the number of its attendees.

Third, Risa Hontiveros' quote was put out of context. Entering a subhead, the quote says, “We would be the laughing stock of the entire planet." However, it was preceded by "The rallying group claimed 2,000 people joined the protest action." Risa Hontiveros meant that burying a dictator in a cemetery for heroes is detrimental to the image of the country. 

As prescribed on the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics, journalists should:

Seek Truth and Report It

• Identify sources clearly. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to judge the reliability and motivations of sources.
• Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
• Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.
• Avoid stereotyping. Journalists should examine the ways their values and experiences may shape their reporting.
• Never deliberately distort facts or context, including visual information. Clearly label illustrations and re-enactments.

Minimize Harm

• Consider the long-term implications of the extended reach and permanence of publication. Provide updated and more complete information as appropriate.

Despite the extension of information to the small protest in Davao, the writer should not share the sentiment of an individual even if that person is the president. The president's influence should not reach the Fourth Estate, nor should his values be the core principles followed by journalists in interpreting the truth.

Second, he should be careful in handling language. A news article should not set a tone favorable to the writer's prejudices. Always seek both reasons from both sides instead of sticking to what the writer only knows.

We suggest that Ted Tuvera attend all protests in the future to seek out sources instead of compiling information from other news stations and publications and use it to make an article.

Small yellow group raps Du30 tack on Marcos burial

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