Today marks the silver anniversary of the DAILY TRIBUNE. For 25 years, this broadsheet has established itself as one of the most trusted newspaper publications in the country. It is consistent, objective, fearless and a reliable source of news and information.
I feel honored that I am officially part of the TRIBUNE family. I actually graduated from UP Diliman with a degree in journalism, but had not worked for any publication until this opportunity to volunteer as a columnist was offered to me. I feel so blessed. I can talk about any topic under the sun or articulate concerns on any issue freely and without interference. In the more than eight months that I have been a column contributor, the editorial board has not censored any of my writings — not even once.
This is a big deal. I used to occasionally write for some newspapers here and there, but somehow felt stifled most of the time because of restrictions imposed on me. One time, I submitted an article about my criticism of the ongoing impeachment proceeding against then-Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, pointing out the biases exhibited by some senator-judges who had already prejudged the case even before they convened as an impeachment court. A member of the editorial board asked me to tone down my allegedly rabid column as it might offend the then-powers that be. I refused. And that was the last time I heard from them.
But not in the DAILY TRIBUNE. Here, the owners let you do your thing, providing a platform that showcases diverging views and opinions. In this age of social media where echo chambers abound, the publication refuses to give in and continues to promote balanced reporting and responsible journalism. It has not peddled fake news or false narratives and instead endeavors to responsibly share faithful and accurate accounts of what has been happening in the country. It doesn’t sensationalize or overreach.
Albeit the publication understandably has its own share of detractors who regularly get across their damaging sentiments on social media, it has truly stood its ground as a vanguard of press freedom. During the last midterm polls, some people were criticizing the TRIBUNE for being unfairly critical of Mayor Vico, who was running for reelection.
Though unfounded, they insisted on their claim — which, of course, is not true. In fact, I wrote a favorable article about him, and nobody from either the ownership or the editorial board prevented me from doing so. They never edited anything and happily allowed me to say my piece the way I wanted it.
Hopefully, the DAILY TRIBUNE continues to be a beacon of hope for those who continuously fight for our people’s right to freely express themselves. In this day and age, where free speech is under attack, may it continue to champion the cause of free speech and advance the interests of everyone.
Again, congratulations to our great publication.