The Freedom To Blog
Update 1/12/09: Valley Golf result of the investigation and reactions here and here
Update 1/04/09: Alleged fact finding account of the incident. Look for the entries of rge (courtesy of momblogger)
Update: Fox News and Agence France picked up the story too
While restrictions on blogs and bloggers are being imposed on other countries, it can not be said on the Philippines. Filipinos are blessed with democracy. There are 3 freedoms that I particularly cherish, the one to chose your own leader, the freedom to embrace a Faith and the liberty to spread it, and the freedom of expression.
Thus, blogs, of any kind and niche, flourish in our part of the world.
As a matter of illustration, a Cabinet Secretary and his Mayor son came under fire from public opinion because of the alleged mauling of a 56 year old man and 14 year old boy. This, perhaps, will not be possible, if the incident was not blogged by a relative who witnessed the incident. Not long after that, other Pinoy bloggers picked the story and filled the blogosphere with condemnation. Soon, the traditional media carried the story too, and no less than the President of the republic orders probe of the incident. Yesterday, the concerned Cabinet Secretary issued an apology.
Blogs do shape public opinion.
4 Responses to “The Freedom To Blog”
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I am not a blogger, and was only enticed to read blogs because of this incident. My heart goes out to the 14 yr old, but I am appalled at how bloggers pre-judge an issue, or a situation, as in this case of an alleged mauling of a 56 year old man and the said14 yr old son. Thank you for writing the word “alleged”. I have noticed that bloggers never wrote “alleged” except for a handful. I have come to realize that in the blogging world, especially here in the Philippines, it is very easy to pre-judge and condemn a person. I have realized that we Pinoys hardly pause to reflect and weigh situations nor do we pray for discernment, which I believe is most vital to any given situation, before we start writing or blogging. Only when we do can we exercise good judgement when needed.
Hi Vicky,
Thanks for expressing your view. You are correct, that’s why Filipinos should exercise their freedom with utmost care and responsibility. This is precisely the reason why in other countries, blogs are regulated because they do shape public opinion.
On the other hand, concerned authorities will not be complacent with their responsibilities to carry out justice because public opinion is quickly shaping up as bloggers exercise their freedom of expression.
Not to mention that this is also a great equalizer for those who abuse their power.
As for the issue at hand, I will hold my opinion until all sides have given their sides in the proper forum.
It’s true to say blogging now is really affecting the Media status quo and is going to play a profound role in reshaping public opinion at large.
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