Arroyo to media: Be responsible

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday chided the media groups for focusing more on “gossipy headlines and inflated circulation numbers” as she renewed calls for the observance of responsible journalism in the country.

Arroyo, during the 100th Anniversary of the Philippines Free Press Magazine at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City, also renewed her administration’s commitment to protect the media and solve the media killings.

The President said journalists are very critical to maintain the country’s strong democracy, but she urged them to be more responsible as the irresponsible practice of press freedom would not help in nation building.

“In the hands of… those who want the freedom without the responsibility degenerates into a callous license to aspire to little more than gossipy headlines and inflated circulation numbers, no matter what cost must be paid in the debasement of public discourse,” she said.

The administration had its share of clash with the media like in 2007 when they allegedly cracked down on journalists that are critical of their policies by locking down and sending policemen in the media offices, and when First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo filed several libel suits against members of the press. (more)