In recognition of the newspaper’s “pursuit of its fearless mission to bare the truth,” the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) on Friday named the Philippine Daily Inquirer the “Outstanding Newspaper of the Year” for the fourth straight year.
During the awarding rites coinciding with its 13th founding anniversary at the Department of Justice, the group of anticrime crusaders also chose Inquirer senior reporter Cathy Yamsuan as the “Outstanding Newspaper Reporter” for 2011.
The VACC lauded the Inquirer’s “consistent quality publication in pursuit of its fearless mission to bare the truth with unparalleled professionalism and concern for responsible journalist.”
It also recognized the country’s leading newspaper “for maintaining its leadership as a quality newspaper in the service of the community.”
In bestowing the award on Yamsuan, the VACC commended her “outstanding and fearless work in the field of print journalism as newspaper reporter…”
Speaking at the ceremony, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the VACC’s 13 years of existence “speaks of a deep and strong commitment, of the willpower to stay on course despite disappointments and obstacles and, of course, it speaks of credibility.”
“For you could have chosen to be victims. To give up on the system, and retreat into whatever safe haven you could find. Yet, you chose to fight,” De Lima said in her speech.
“And because of that choice, you became a champion for the Filipino people.”
Special recognition
The VACC also gave out awards and special recognition to other print and broadcast companies as well as private lawyers, state prosecutors, law enforcers and other public officials.
President Benigno Aquino III led the recipient of major awards for his anticorruption agenda, the first time the group had given out the said award to the chief executive.
Among those recognized were Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, the head of Task Force Maguindanao of the Philippine National Police that investigated the Maguindanao massacre case; Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina of the PNP Highway Patrol Group; Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Teresa Soriaso; and State Prosecutor Rolando Ramirez.
Also awarded were lawyers Harry Roque, Nena Santos, Pete Prinsipe, Bayani Dalangin and Ferdinand Topacio.