August 23, 2010, a hostage crisis occurred in Philippines. Authorities were there trying to control the situation while media men had there live coverage. Unfortunately the police operation failed after 11 hours of hostage crisis and 9 tourist were killed.The following day, Rep. Luis Quisimbing filed a House Bill No. 2737 proposing news blackout, saying that the media's live coverage during the incident may have jeopardized the police operation.
The media just covered the incident that day, they never try to interfere the police negotiation. It even turned out to be helpful for the government officials who decided not to go to the area wherein the hostage crisis occurred instead they chose a safe place and monitor the happenings by watching the live coverage of the different network. So it turned out to be helpful. So there is no way to restrain media from having such action.
A free mass Media serves as a marketplace for the government and its people wherein they can share opinions and ideas as well as theories regarding the different issue our country is facing.
The House Bill No. 2737 is no doubt a law trying to control the media. If government will force the press to restrain live coverage i the different kind of situation it is just an indication that they want to control the media. And controlling it is without doubt a distortion of truth. truth that Filipino people deserves to know.
So, am I agree with the news blackout? Absolutely not. The event may good or bad but it only shows that our country is facing a problem. Problem that cannot be solved by the government alone but with the help of its people.
Philippines is a democratic country meaning everyone including the media have equal rights. Rights that includes freedom but if the government would like to control the media, do you think their rights in a democratic country still exist? Bear in mind that the Philippines claims to have Press Freedom.
