Bicol Media vows to uphold Journalist's Ethics Code

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By SALLY A. ATENTO
LEGAZPI CITY – At least 80 media practitioners all over the Bicol region have committed to uphold the Journalist’s Code of Ethics in their respective professions and communities.

The commitment was made during the Seminar Workshop on Revisiting Ethical Standards for Mass Media organized by the Albay Press Core in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), provincial government of Albay and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol regional office and Albay Information Center held February 22 at the Camp Simeon Ola here.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) online radio director and China Radio International correspondent Carmelo Acuña shared his significant experiences and insights on being a media practitioner as guest of honor and speaker “way back when mobile phones and emails were unheard of.”

“Nowadays, you have technology in your hands. However even without gadgets, as long as you are at the right place, at the right time and with the right questions, you can make news,” Acuña said.

He urged the participants to further learn and develop their skills and dedication to face and sustain the difficulties and challenges in the industry.

“Technology will always be changing but your skills and dedication will separate men from the boys. You can meet news personalities anywhere but if you are not prepared you will lose the opportunity,” he said.

Acuña added although speed comes with the recent technology used in gathering and dissemination of information, accuracy might be compromised.

Freedom of expression, use of latest technology, current practices, labor standards and economic conditions and well-being of media practitioners in the region are among the issues raised and discussed.

Acuña said although everyone has the freedom to express his opinion publicly it also comes with the responsibility to respect the rights and dignity of others citing the cybercrime law and the revised penal code of the Philippines which criminalizes libel and slander by act or deed.

“Freedom of expression is not absolute. It ends with the rights of others,” he stressed. “It’s how you say it that will save you from trouble. Be careful with the use of adjectives and play of words.

Know how to say things to be more effective because you might fail to convey the message. It’s not what you say but how you say it that matters,” Acuña further said.

In response to the need of giving due benefits and compensation of station managers and owners to their people, the participants urged their fellow journalists to organize as a group to help elevate their condition after retirement and to address unjust practices such as exploitation of the media which elicits perception of corruption.

“Station owners and managers have the responsibility to take care of their people,” he said.