Citing the key role of the mass media in maintaining a healthy and functioning democracy, Senator Robin Padilla wants to explore how the media can fulfill this mandate during times of conflict – including the escalating territorial and maritime dispute in the South China Sea.
Padilla filed Senate Resolution 999, seeking an investigation in aid of legislation by the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media which he chairs.
In his resolution, the legislator also pointed out no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had underscored the importance of media in leading and fostering public discussion, truth and credibility, the rule of law especially in broadcasting, news reporting and information dissemination.
“The Philippines stands to be affected by various sorts of global and political tension from conflicts.”
The lawmaker pointed out the Philippines stands to be affected by various sorts of global and political tension from conflicts including the Philippines’ dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea; the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine; and the increasing tension between Israel and Iran.
According to the senator, the WPS dispute poses potential threats to the entire ASEAN region and inadvertently put the Philippines in a potential crisis situation, while the Russia-Ukraine conflict may affect long-existing issues including soaring inflation, fuel shortages and food insecurity.
“(It) is crucial for Filipinos to be well-informed of the consequences of our political inclination and possible courses of action should these aforementioned global conflicts escalate.”
“(It) is crucial for Filipinos to be well-informed of the consequences of our political inclination and possible courses of action should these aforementioned global conflicts escalate,” he said in his resolution.
“In critical times like this, experience tells us that the mass media, which is considered truth-tellers, plays a vital role in affecting public perception pertinent to existing conflicts,” Padilla added.
Thus, he said it is “imperative” that the media “relays accurate and timely information to the public on pressing issues, particularly on present global conflicts with the end view of raising awareness and enabling citizens to prepare and make sound decisions for themselves.”
