Bayan exec: Attacks vs media threaten free election
MANILA, Philippines — Bagong Alysansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary-general Renato Reyes said Friday that those who want to silence the media may have motives to cheat in the upcoming polls.
“Ang atake sa media ay isang banta din sa malayang halalan sa darating na Mayo 13 (An attack against the media is a threat to free elections on May 13),” Reyes said in a statement on Friday in celebration of World Press Freedom Day.
“Kapag hindi nagampanan ng media ang tungkulin nito, hindi mababatid ng mamamayan ang mga isyu at maaapektuhan ang kanilang pagboto (If the media fails to perform its function, citizens will not be aware of the issues that will affect their vote),” he added.
He also emphasized that the media “plays an important role in uncovering anomalies during elections.”
“Ang pagpapatahimik ng media ay pakikinabangan ng mga nais mandaya sa eleksyon (Silencing the media will benefit those who want to cheat in the election),” the activist said.
“Mas madaling mandaya kung walang media na nakatutok (It is easier to cheat if media is not present),” Reyes warned. /ee
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