do you agree that media killings is a danger to philippine democracy? why or why not?
Answers
I agree that media killings is a danger to Philippines democracy because A free objective and courageous media is an essential component of a democratic society so that it can fulfill its objectivity of being the fourth pillar of democracy. It is expected from it to perform a "checking functions" ensuring that elected representative uphold their oath of office and campaign promises. But when the cluthes and control of the incumbert government try to to restrict its freedom and is made to dance to their turns. Situation seems to be similar in Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte terms is limited to a single 6 year term by country's constitution. Some experts of the country predicts the presidency will be taken from his by one of his allies after the election scheduled for May 2022 and his daughter Sara remains the most popular candidate followed closely by Bongbong Marcos son of former Dictator Ferdinand. To make things easy for his daughter he is using all his might to dictate terms to the traditional vibrant and Critical Mass Media. Opposition if intimidated punished using political machinery. Climate of media repression persist that seeds a chilling message to journalist and media workers in country. Countries leading TV Network, ABS-CBN disappeared from airwaves in July 2020 after the Congress (Central Government) refused to renew its license. Violence against journalists common. Maria Ressa editor of fearless online news site Rappler won Nobel Peace Prize and she has been the target of relentless legal harassment and intimidation from administration in her own country. Media outlets feel obliged to give favorable coverage of an administration friendly candidate or to Limit coverage of their opponent. Some staggering figures and event support the situation. Philippines is ranked 138th in the "Reporters Without Borders" 2021 world press freedom index and ranks 7th in the committee to protect journalists 2021 Global Impurity Index. Cases were filed against leading online media organization and its so Maria Teresa of traffic for being peddler of fake news and its license was rank in 2018. critical of governments are red tagged or accused of being communist sympathizers and may have been detained. Cyber attacks have been launched at websites critical of government policies. 190 journalists have been killed since 1986, 21 of them under Duterte administration. So, what lies ahead. Journalist media workers coma concerned groups need to push for press freedom to be an election issue. Candidates in 2020 polls should try to explain where stand beyond the usual rhetoric of defending democracy and basic freedoms.