CNN - Does the Philippines' free press need reining in?

Does the Philippines' free press need reining in?

April 6, 1996
Web posted at: 2:45 p.m. EST (1945 GMT)

From Correspondent Maria Ressa

MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- After decades of being controlled and censored by the Marcos regime, the Philippines press burst free in 1986. It is now one of the rowdiest and noisiest in Asia.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with too much freedom," said Tina Monzon-Palma, the general manager of Channel 5. "The free atmosphere that we are experiencing something that I will never exchange for a controlled and muzzled press."

But critics say there is too much freedom -- and that irresponsible reporting is hampering development.

Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan -- once in charge of the local police -- recently resigned from that post. He claims that since January, the media have created an impression that crime is rampant and that government has lost control.

Ironically, the overall crime rate has actually decreased while the perception that the country is in chaos has increased. Many, like Alunan, say part of the blame lies with the freewheeling Philippine press, which often sensationalizes crime stories.

"I suppose bad news sells," said Alunan. "And that's our problem ... bad news has got to prevail over good news in order to keep certain establishments above the water line."

"I don't think there's anything wrong with too much freedom. The free atmosphere that we are experiencing something that I will never exchange for a controlled and muzzled press."

-- Tina Monzon-Palma

Competition among the media outlets can be fierce. At one point, Manila had nearly 30 daily newspapers. It has five television stations competing for viewers.

"The medium where it is put on is a sensational medium because people are watching it, and the viewer is now putting himself in the shoes of the victim or even in the relatives of the victim," said Channel 5's Monzon-Palma. "It gets blown out of proportion."

There have been sensational stories: bank robberies, kidnappings and a bizarre hostage crisis -- a policeman holding a young girl at gunpoint in a church. But what is important to remember, said Alunan, is perspective -- something he says a free press should strive for in a developing country.

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Does the Philippines' free press need reining in?

"I don't think there's anything wrong with too much freedom. The free atmosphere that we are experiencing something that I will never exchange for a controlled and muzzled press."

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