Sentidokomon

By Joy B. Miranda (Tinig Pinoy January)

Long Live Press Freedom! Crocodile tears are a false or insincere display of emotion such as a hypocrite crying fake tears of grief. The expression comes from an ancient anecdote that crocodiles weep in order to lure their prey, or that they cry for the victims they are eating. So what is this all about? This is about those tears which a noted person tried to use in order to convince the management of Politis to stop the publication of Tinig Pinoy. Tears that have become just an annoying factor for the Boss that he said should not happen again and will not be entertained again because it is just useless. Happy new year folks! I would like to mention with great appreciation the article of former staff Johanna Bogbog (Viva Tinig Pinoy!), in defense to the brouhahas caused by few people whom I criticized, who were up with a signature campaign for Tinig Pinoy’s closure. I have notified through email the Boss of Politis regarding said campaign mentioning the adage: “The trouble with most of us is that we are rather be ruined by praise than be saved by criticism.” and urged him to read Pinay Sense (October 31st 2009) as well as the headline on same date written by Maria (FilCom’s fund raising a success, but not without disunity issues). Well folks, here is Politis’ reply to my email: “Don’t worry, be happy, enjoy your holidays and come back to kick some assess!” So there, let me thank those who initiated the campaign especially the person who gave the advice. We know who you are. I hope this would put a stop to all of your nonsense. Next time, kung magpapapirma kayo, paki explain ng mabuti kung para saan ang pinapapirmahan ninyo. It is just so funny that those people we talked whose names appeared in the signature letter said that they dont know what was it all about. Majority thought that it was for the victims of typhoons. Kung ayaw ninyong mapuna, puwes, huwag kayong magpapuna! Sapagkat ang media ay spontaneous ‘yan sa pagmamasid ng tama at mali. To the avid readers and followers of TP, rejoice! This paper will continue, and I will continue doing my duty as a journalist. 2009 ended with a blast and I open 2010 with a blast as well by reminding everyone that a journalist understands fellow journalist..Press Freedom should prevail, and it is, here in Cyprus. In my province Mindanao which is adjacent to Maguindanao area where the November massacre of 57 people, including 31 journalists, media people enjoy the atmosphere of having Press freedom. Despite the threats, mediamen continue to report what has to be reported. Let me quote the message sent by Pambos, one of Tinig Pinoy’s readers:
“Why journalist are killed ? They represent the TRUTH and certain people of this world don’t like the truth, yes they may pay off members of the press, but 99% went into this line of work to get to the truth, and to report the wrongs and the rights of this world. You have that passion Joy and you cannot stop yourself, more power to you. The written word is a blessing, and your input for me is always recognised.”
Being a journalist is such a risky profession, but I have vowed to embrace even the thought that a journalist’s courage is paid off with his own life. I love my people, my race. If ever I have offended anyone by writing the truth, pasensiya na lang. That is just a duty. This year, Tinig Pinoy promises to give more informational material. Mabuhay!