Communicator's Commitment to Help Rescue Environment

COMMUNICATORS’ COMMITMENT TO HELP RESCUE THE ENVIRONMENT (1990)

WE ARE SERIOUSLY CONCERNED, as organizations of communicators, and as individual journalists and artists, over the present conditions and accelerating further deterioration of the environment of our country and of our planet, and are aware that widespread ignorance and indifference are factors that abet this alarming situation.

WE SHARE with our fellow advocates of environmental protection in the Philippines the conviction that the only effective way to rescue the environment, beyond lip-service and token measures, requires the promotion of the following:

a. The unique cultural identity and ethnic heritage of the Filipinos and their spiritual and ecological solidarity with other peoples of the planet.

b. Social equity and justice in the sharing of benefits and custodianship of natural resources, such as land, water, forest, aquatic and mineral resources and through the democratization of access to technology and financial resources.

c. Ecologically sound economic activities whose primary beneficiaries are poor families and communities which comprise the majority of Filipinos.

d. Empowerment of people in communities through more concentration on food, health and ecological security, full implementation of the state policy giving the citizens free access to information and consideration of these means of empowerment as prerequisites for authentic participation in self-government and social transformation.

WE RECOGNIZE the stake and responsibility of communicators both as citizens and as purveyors of information and opinion, and we pledge to coordinate and optimize our efforts in helping rescue the environment through the education and mobilization of our people. We are aware that we have to organize our efforts in order to effectively counteract well-funded public-relations and disinformation campaigns mounted by vested interests that have been instrumental in environmental destruction.

WE THEREFORE PLEDGE to mount a sustained and organized consciousness campaign among communicators and, moreso, among the rest of the citizenry, to be active in helping rescue the environment, and we sign our names under this declaration of our collective and individual commitment, for the sake of our country’s survival.

This was adopted by the organizing committee of the Communicator’s League for Environmental Action and Restoration (CLEAR) on January 2, 1990 as the basis of unity of all member-organizations and individual members of CLEAR. The CLEAR organizers became the advocacy network’s first set of officers: Vic Milan, president; Violeta Len Jos, executive vice-president; Ed Aurelio Reyes, secretary general; Butch Nava, deputy secretary general; Yasmin Arquiza, treasurer; and Romy Tangbawan, auditor. CLEAR member organizations include the National Press Club (NPC), Philippine Environmental Journalists Inc. (PEJI), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), and the Philippine Union of Broadcasters (PUB). CLEAR has a mutual membership relation with the Philippine Movement for Press Freedom (PMPF).

Source: The book “Press Freedom: The People’s Right” by Ed Aurelio C. Reyes, pp. 176-177.

Retyped for information campaign by: Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.

The Principled Journalist

THE PRINCIPLED JOURNALIST (1991)

1. THE PRINCIPLED JOURNALIST IS AN HONORABLE CITIZEN who asserts and fully enjoys the rights of citizens and exercise the duties and responsibilities of citizens and who should not abdicate them in the illusory framework of “media neutrality”. Journalists like other Filipino citizens have the duty to assert Philippine sovereignty and the socio-economic and political interests of the democratic majority of the people, link up closely with other organizations of citizens, and avail themselves of rights of the rights of the citizens to form associations for purposes not contrary to law and to peaceably assemble for the redress of grievances. Principled journalists, as all honorable citizens, deserve the respect of the bigger community, and keep away from decadent and anti-social behavior.

2. THE PRINCIPLED JOURNALIST IS A PUBLIC SERVANT in the context of the media’s functions to serve the people’s right to know and the people’s right to express their grievances, demands and opinions, in a situation where the media are being used today more by vested interests to keep the public uninformed about or distracted from the most important truths affecting them. Principled journalists would never allow themselves to be used as mercenaries.

3. THE PRINCIPLED JOURNALIST IS A PROFESSIONAL who values the question of ethics, the urge and actual efforts for skills upgrading and career development, and “does homework” for quality stories that adequately serve the people’s right to know and the people’s right to express their grievances, demands and opinions.

4. THE PRINCIPLED JOURNALIST IS A WORKER, and struggles for collective job security, fair compensation, just and humane working conditions, the right to form strong and genuine trade union organizations, the right to bargain collectively and to strike if necessary. Principled journalists take the stand of the working press.

5. THE PRINCIPLED JOURNALIST IS A LEADER, on two levels: (a) public opinion leadership for nationalism, humanism and democracy; and (b) activity in organizations of mediapersons as leaders or dependable members, as distinguished from journalists who are absolutely constricted in day-to-day requirements of the occupation as set by their superiors, and who help the media people’s organizations on one-shot, case-to-case or sympathy levels.

This 5-point description was first presented by Ed Aurelio Reyes, secretary general of the Philippine Movement for Press Freedom (PMPF), in a message to the 2nd Congress of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) held in August 1991. The NUJP Congress unanimously passed a resolution adopting these points as the organization’s criteria and standard of behavior for its members. As endorsed by NUJP, the PMPF-sponsored Fifth National Convention for Press Freedom adopted it and resolved to campaign for its acceptance by the broader Philippine media community.

Source: The book “Press Freedom: The People’s Right” by Ed Aurelio C. Reyes, pp. 170-171

Retyped for information campaign by: Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.

Editor's Commitment to the People's Right to Know

EDITOR’S COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE’S RIGHT TO KNOW (1988)

WE AFFIX OUR SIGNATURES in our capacity as editors of print and broadcast facilities to reaffirm our advocacy of the universal human right to freedom of the press. It is a freedom that encompasses the people’s right to inform and to be informed, as guaranteed by Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

WE FULLY SUBSCRIBE to the third and fourth paragraphs of the 1987 Philippine Declaration for Press Freedom, which state that this freedom is “the people’s right to unhampered reportage and to channels of information and opinion…” and that this freedom “is more than the right to express approval of prevailing political structures and dominant political beliefs and policies, for the right belongs as well, if not more, to those who question, who differ, who oppose.”

UPHOLDING THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE is both a crucial requisite to the building of a working democracy as well as a deterrent to the restoration of authoritarian rule. We therefore commit ourselves, individually and collectively, to give adequate space, time and prominence to matters of urgent public concern such as: (a) persisting or even officially-tolerated health and environmental hazards; (b) economic conditions and policies relevant to the broad populace; (c) official policies and acts of commission or omission by government that adversely affect substantial segments of the citizenry; and (d) responses to these matters from private citizens or group of citizens.

WE RESOLVE TO DO SO and consider it our contribution to human rights advocacy in this part of the world, for the sake of the Filipino people whose interests we seek to cherish and to serve.

This text was penned in December 1987 by the now deceased Alfredo Navarro Salanga, first chairman of the PMPF Task Force for the People’s Right to Know, and signed by the 71 editors of eight dailies and six other publications in Metro Manila. It was formally presented at the PMPF-sponsored Round Table Conference on the Media and the People’s Right to Know held on August 6, 1988 as one of pre-conferences that culminated at the Second National Convention for Press Freedom held at the end of that month. The commitment was signed by senior and junior editors of Ang Pilipino Ngayon, Balita, Bulletin, Chronicle, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, and Manila Times, as well as those of Philippine Agenda, Dispatch, Philippine News & Features, Filipino Journalist, We Forum / Masa, and Press Freedom Advocate. It is both an individual commitment and a collective commitment, the latter providing the basis for the formation of an organization of editors along the lines of this advocacy.

Source: The book “Press Freedom: The People’s Right” by Ed Aurelio C. Reyes, pp. 172-173

Retyped for information campaign by: Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.

Basic Rights of Mediapersons

BASIC RIGHTS OF MEDIAPERSONS (1988)

1. THE RIGHT TO ACQUIRE INFORMATION – On all matters of public concern, the right to access to information actually belongs to each individual citizen. But with media as a valuable source of information, mediapersons actually represents the people’s right to know. Media practitioners, therefore, should not be restricted in their task of acquiring information – be it in the form of documents, interviews or photos – on matters of public concern, including those that may tend to embarrass the powers that be. During the Marcos dictatorship, the interest of “national security” was invoked to keep secrets from the citizenry.

2. THE RIGHT TO PUBLISH OR BROADCAST INFORMATION AND OPINIONS – Freedom of expression, of speech and of the press are recognized as basic and inalienable rights not only by the Philippine Constitution but by no less than the 1948 universal declaration of human rights. Like the right to seek information. This belongs to every citizen; but due to media’s role in society, media establishments must assert and safeguard this right. There are enough laws to check irresponsibility and wanton disregard for the rights of others; prior restraint – meaning, censorship – can only be legally justified during emergencies formally declared according to the “clear and present danger” doctrine. In the broadcast industry, the principle that “the airlines belong to people” has often been used to reverse its very spirit making it extremely difficult for ordinary “owners of the airlines” to use broadcast facilities to air grievances or demands that may be construed as “destabilizing”. The right of the state to protect itself has also been corrupted to refer to the right of the incumbent administrators to defend themselves against criticism.

3. THE RIGHT TO JOB SECURITY, FAIR COMPENSATION, SELF-ORGANIZATION AND RELATED INTERESTS – Paragraph five of the “Philippine Declaration for Press Freedom” reads: “We believe that press freedom necessarily encompasses the right of professionals and workers in the mass media to job security, fair compensation, just and humane working conditions and self-organization, as well as the right of media establishments to be protected against undue sanctions from sources of revenue.” These economic rights belong to all working people. Problems of management, of the rationality of the size of the industry, and the present shape of the economy as a whole, are all important factors that affect the enjoyment of these rights, but the locus of responsibility should be pinpointed in every case, and the rank and file must not be made to suffer the bigger weight of the economic problems.

4. THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED AGAINST UNDUE RETRIBUTION – Media people are not exactly the most well-loved, especially among reluctant informants that get embarrassed or get in hot water due to media reportage and commentary. Mediapersons therefore need protection while in actual coverage and after their output has reached the public. We had have to contend with death threats and actual bullets, million-peso libel suits designed merely to harass and intimidate, sudden dismissals after aggrieved parties talk with management, and other forms of retribution. The hazards are graver during periods of civil strife, especially if some mediapersons are drawn into the struggle as combatants.

5. THE RIGHT TO SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT – All employees, professionals and workers should have opportunities to improve on their individual capabilities in order to afford them advancement in their respective stations in the industry, thus improving their lot and increasing their sense of fulfillment.

THESE ARE THE RIGHTS OF MEDIAPERSONS. To discuss them in detail and to illustrate the rampant cases of their violation would need the length of a book. But we hope this brief representation would be of help to our media colleagues to start off discussions among themselves and with groups and entities that affect their work (employers, sources, etc.) The People’s (Philippine) Movement for Press Freedom (PMPF) is committed to help promote and assert their rights, and we are eager to cooperate and coordinate with other media-based organizations in the pursuit of this commitment.

This was first presented at a multilateral workshop conference held during the National Press Week of 1988, attended by representatives from the PMPF, National Press Club, Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa Media sa Pilipinas (KAMMPI), Press Foundation of Asia (PFA), Photojournalists Guild of the Philippines (PhotoGuild) and the provisional (organizing) committee of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). It was published in Press Freedom Advocate “Clipboard” No. 10 (May 10, 1988), from which it was also clipped to be posted in newspapers and radio station booths in various parts of the country.

Source: The book “Press Freedom: The People’s Right” by Ed Aurelio C. Reyes, pp. 179-181.

Retyped for information campaign by: Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.

Philippine Declaration for Press Freedom

PHILIPPINE DECLARATION FOR PRESS FREEDOM (1987)

WE BELIEVE THAT PRESS FREEDOM is an inalienable birthright of the people which no one can take away without violating a basic human right, and we hold that while facts are inviolable, expression of opinions should be free.

WE BELIEVE THAT PRESS FREEDOM is the foundation and guardian of a strong and enlightened public opinion without which democracy cannot be possible, and that the guarantee of this freedom is among the best deterrents to authoritarian governments.

WE BELIEVE THAT PRESS FREEDOM is more than the right to express approval of prevailing political structures and dominant political beliefs and policies, for the right belongs as well, if not more, to those who question, who differ, who oppose.

WE BELIEVE THAT PRESS FREEDOM is the right of the people to inform and be informed, the people’s right to unhampered reportage and to access to channels of information and opinion, and that this guarantees the people’s right to utilize government-operated media facilities.

WE BELIEVE THAT PRESS FREEDOM necessarily encompasses the right of professionals and workers in the mass media to job security, fair compensation, just and humane working conditions and self-organization, as well as the right of media establishments to be protected against undue sanctions from sources of revenue.

WE BELIEVE THAT PRESS FREEDOM and the broader right to freedom of expression concern not only professional, businessmen and workers in the mass media but the people as a whole, and that vigilance for the defense of these freedoms should therefore be a recognized responsibility of the entire body politic.

WE BELIEVE IN PRESS FREEDOM, and we declare our conviction to uphold it. We therefore unite to establish and continue to strengthen a movement for press freedom as an active and effective channel for solidarity and coordination among media people and other citizens in promoting, asserting and defending this basic and inalienable right.

This document was drafted in January 1987 by the organizing committee of the People’s (now Philippine) Movement for Press Freedom and first adopted by the First National Convention for Press Freedom in April 1987. This Declaration has more than 700 individual signatories among Metro Manila and provincial mediapersons by September 1987. Signatories to this Declaration include the National Press Club (by an Annual Convention resolution of May 1990) and all-member organizations of the PMPF (52 as of July 1992) which has this Declaration as the preamble of its constitution.

Source: The book “Press Freedom: The People’s Right” by Ed Aurelio C. Reyes, pp. 160-161

Retyped for information campaign by: Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.

Philippine Journalist's Code of Ethics

PHILIPPINE JOURNALIST’S CODE OF ETHICS (1988)

I. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and to correct substantive errors promptly.

II. I shall not violate confidential information on material given me in the exercise of my calling.

III. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press when obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.

IV. I shall refrain from writing reports which will adversely affect a private reputation unless the public interest justifies it. At the same time, I shall fight vigorously for public access to information, as provided for in the Constitution.

V. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties; nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature which may cast doubt on my personal integrity.

VI. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.

VII. I shall not in any manner ridicule, cast aspersions on, or degrade any person by reason of sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.

VIII. I shall presume persons accused of crime of being innocent until proven otherwise. I shall exercise caution in publishing names of minors and women involved in criminal cases so that they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.

IX. I shall not take unfair advantage of a fellow journalist.

X. I shall accept only as tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my profession, invoking the “conscience clause” when duties imposed on me conflict with the voice of my conscience.

XI. I shall conduct myself in public or while performing my duties as a journalist in such manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be my watchword.

This document was drafted by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), discussed and finalized in a multilateral workshop conference held during the National Press Week of 1988. The conference was attended by representatives from the PPI, National Press Club, Philippine Movement for Press Freedom (PMPF), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (provisional committee), Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa Media sa Pilipinas, Press Foundation of Asia, and Photojournalists Guild of the Philippines. It has been adopted by these and other media organizations, and has been translated into Filipino by the Bukluran ng mga Mamamahayag sa Sariling Wika (BUKLURAN), a PMPF member-organization.

Source: The book “Press Freedom: The People’s Right” by Ed Aurelio C. Reyes, pp. 169-170.

Retyped for information campaign by: Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.