Killing people can silence people, but never the truth
October 5, 2022 ·
Killing people can silence people, but never the truth.
There is no hope for a nation whose members of the media can be cowed,
frightened or intimidated (and bribed). Only the adulterated and
polluted are prone to fear and surrender in the performance and
conduct of their calling as journalists, undaunted and guiltless.
Truth plus courage and integrity in journalism and elsewhere equals
omnipotence. Put to use in the service of mankind, it could well
promote life and deliver progress/salvation to societies and
humanities. Journalism and literature are worlds apart in essence and
purpose. Literature is art and information – for entertainment and
knowledge. Journalism, beyond news reporting, is a mission, a noble
vocation – for the betterment of a country – and to awaken the
slumbering among its people.
The devil can only kill souls or human lives, but not the truth (and
justice). “For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the
truth” (2 Corinthians 23:8). Thus, pray that boldness with uprightness
be not uncommon/rare among journalists, both in the print and
broadcast media (and social media sans trolls). Otherwise, it is not
the media that you have, but a business enterprise, a milking cow or a
propaganda tool.
God is the God and no one else. He only can take life.
The killing of Percy Lapid, the brave and reasonable veteran radio
man, should and must not create a chilling effect on media people, but
rather it ought to drive them all the more to banner the truth, expose
wrongdoings, confront charlatans, fight abuses, defend the weak, and
never to cower in championing righteousness and social equity. Stand
up to malfeasance and evils.
Every man or woman who is killed for being a fearless, selfless
journalist is a hero. The nation salutes you, “Lapid Fire,” along
with the other Filipino journalists who have fallen in the night ahead
of you. Live forever, in our hearts.
“… realize that victory is a child of struggle, that joy blossoms
from suffering, and redemption is a product of sacrifice.” – Jose
Rizal
