PANORAMA STAFF Chelo Banal-Formoso (left), photographer Nestor Fernandez, the late Fred Reyes
(seated), artist Jojo Gatbonton, the late Angelita Consignado, LJM, Domini Torrevillas, Randy Urlanda,
Albert Lee and Margot Baterina NESTOR FERNANDEZ
The Makabayan coalition on Monday paid tribute to Philippine journalism icon Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, esteemed editor in chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, who passed away on Christmas Eve.
Former lawmaker Teddy Casiño recalled Magsanoc’s commitment to press freedom and democracy, and how she stood up for the rights of the oppressed.
“We fondly remember the many times we been treated to Letty’s disarmingly inquisitive nature, her genuine interest in the affairs of the Left and the mass movement in general, and her concern for the marginalized and the voiceless in society. We could always be assured of her respect, her open mindedness and her readiness to defend our right to express and fight for our views,” Casiño said in a statement.
READ: Magsanoc, who led the Inquirer for 24 years, writes 30 | Esteemed PDI editor in chief Letty J. Magsanoc passes away
Casiño lauded Magsanoc’s fairness in reportage, but noted the she was never short of “taking a principled stance on issues affecting our people, even if it meant fighting an uphill battle.”
“To us, Letty and her body of work epitomized the fine libertarian tradition of the Philippine press… She was a spearhead against tyranny and dictatorship, and a dependable ally in the fight for human rights, genuine democracy, national sovereignty, and public accountability,” Casiño said.
“Letty’s death has left a void in the media and in our collective hearts. But it is a void that many others can and should fill. It is our hope that the expressions of sorrow and tribute given to Letty might inspire present and future journalists to take the same path that she took,” he added.
Magsanoc, one of the founders of the Inquirer who played a vital role in toppling the Marcos dictatorship, passed away last Thursday at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City due to cardiac arrest.
A vigil wake for Magsanoc is being held at Aeternum in Heritage Park until Dec. 29.
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