Jerome N.

Galiza
IG202

At the outset, let me throw you back to what had actually Marcos done for our country.
The answer is ‘many’. To mention one, in Northern Luzon where my clan is, irrigations were
constructed for the farmers during his administration. It's amazing. But behind all the countryside
developments, grave human rights violations were committed especially during the Martial Law.
All media and people’s actions were controlled. Military took over the assets of major media
outlets including the ABS-CBN network, Channel 5 and various radio stations across the
country. Reporters and writers both in radio and newspapers suffered persecutions and the worst,
even death. Freedom of Expression was dead during that time.
Forms of media like the newspaper, radio, and the television was not able to play their
vital role in ensuring that key information reaches the people. However, these days, it's evident,
media are able to carry out their duties - journalists do report on the activities of government,
businesses, and civil society. They can now freely expose errors and even wrongdoings of a
certain individual or group. This is what they call democracy: freedom of information which also
entails freedom to criticize.
During the Martial Law, Marcos silenced public criticism and controlled the information
that the people had access to. He had the final say in whatever passed for the truth.
Today, as ever we still value what is true, beautiful and relevant. The only difference now
is that we can express them freely using any form of mass media. The government is not
controlling us, however some do abuse. Personal issues are being publicized. News are being
exaggerated by irresponsible writers/reporters. Friends, let us not forget that our freedom of
expression is not ultimate. Instead of focusing on personal issues, let us talk about the relevant
ones affecting the majority. Let us speak responsibly for the truth to prevail. Use wisely the gifts
of technology to promote freedom of expression.