Offensive post in the Net

I WOULD like to bring to your immediate attention a photo which I had spent valuable time reflecting on.

I find myself compelled to speak up on how a lack of moral and intellectual perspective on sensitive issues among our people can result to reckless posts over the internet which has limitless boundaries.

I find this extremely disturbing as the photo brandishes with it our national tourism campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines."

I am certain that you will agree with me that circulating the image of bodies covered with banana leaves and law enforcement people using a backhoe as background is not only a cheap shot but makes light of the Maguindanao massacre from where the photo was taken.

The photo was given the heading "Elections” and was captioned “basta piliay na, ubay-ubay ang malipay, mahapay, ug mamatay.” It is outrageously inappropriate.

I find very offensive the use of our national tourism slogan in such a manner. That slogan is part of a campaign that we Filipinos have grown proud of as a means to promote our country as a top tourist destination.

Also, to use an image of an incident scorned by the nation is not only irresponsible but disrespectful to the dead, their loved ones, the media community and the Filipino people.

Lastly, the message about elections is wrong. After having participated in the last electoral process myself, I can attest my belief in the said exercise. It is the only vanguard of our democracy and sovereign will.

To post such a material on the Net is a dangerous act and society rightfully should decide if this is right or wrong. Who can regulate this? Should we allow
irresponsible acts like this to go unnoticed and to proliferate?

I totally find this act unacceptable and I believe that bringing this to your attention could provide another venue for discussion and bring another dimension regarding this cause.

Likewise, it would somehow diminish the discomfort that this has brought me. I certainly believe that other Filipinos feel the same. (Glenn Soco)