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Monday, September 20, 2004
Vidal challenges media: Stand up for what is true
CEBU CITY -- To gain the public's trust, one has to stand up for what is true, even if it means standing alone.
Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said this challenge Sunday to Cebu media, which kicked off the weeklong Press Freedom Week celebration with a mass Sunday.
Episcopal Vicar Msgr. Roberto Alesna read Vidal's prepared homily.
Vidal did not attend the event since he was advised to rest and cancel all his scheduled masses and engagements, after suffering from over-fatigue for the past two weeks.
Vidal was hospitalized for four days last week. He checked out at the Perpetual Succour Hospital last Friday.
Vidal likened the media to a truthful man.
If he could be trusted "with little things, with elusive wealth and with someone else's money," then, "you can trust him in greater things with lasting wealth.
The prelate said a truthful man is trustworthy "because only truth builds trust."
Men and women in the media can only be trusted if they are free from any "pressure" and influences and are willing to stand up for what is true, Vidal said.
"Media can only be trusted, not only if they are free from any hall, City Hall or Capitol. But also when they are free to stand up for what is true. Even if they are standing alone. Truth, by the way, always goes with the other monosyllables of love and life, joy and peace, and faith and hope," Vidal said.
Vidal reminded the media to exercise freedom wisely because it is not a little thing, a slight matter but a gift that is God-given, "a precious gift, a public trust."
Before the mass, employees of the three local dailies, television and radio stations started the celebration of Cebu Press Freedom Week with a walk from Ayala Center Cebu to the Capitol Social Hall early Sunday morning.
After the mass, participants enjoyed brunch with their colleagues in the industry and the door prizes and the major prizes raffled off by the organizers.
A first-ever Press Week Muse was also held Sunday with Lani Ginete of The Freeman taking the crown.
Sun.Star's Lalaine Go was runner-up.
Another contest, Gay-est, had everyone in stitches with the costumes and gags of the five contestants.
Gay-est is Joseph Bontilao of Sun.Star Cebu with Gary Lao of The Freeman taking second place. (JST)
(September 20, 2004 issue)
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