GOODBYE, LETTY And thanks for keeping the fires of press freedom burning, while telling the Filipino story courageously, passionately and always with a sense of fun. INQUIRER PHOTO
A resolution, honoring the late editor in chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), Letecia Jimenez-Magsanoc, for her “lifelong service to the nation through her fidelity to journalistic excellence and integrity,” has been filed at the Senate.
Senate Resolution 1701 filed by Senator Loren Legarda recognized Magsanoc’s significant role in the pursuit of journalistic freedom during the Martial Law period and more so in the years that followed.
Prior to her work in the PDI where she first served as its associate editor and columnist in December 1985, Magsanoc was considered a veteran journalist and worked as editor in chief of Panorama, the Sunday edition of the Manila Bulletin for which she was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service for excelling in the field of media, and as editor of the publications, Mr. and Ms. Special Edition and of the Weekly Inquirer.
“She fought for independence in the editorial-making even in the face of possible persecution, when she wrote an article for the Panorama perceived to be critical to the then-sitting president and of the New Society during the Martial Law regime,” the resolution said.
“Her eventual resignation put into the global map the state of press freedom in the country with international media outfits like Time Magazine hailing her as Asia Hero while also encouraging local journalists to ‘speak truth to power,'” it further said.
In the aftermath of the assassination of then Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., Magsanoc became the editor of the weekly tabloid Mr. & Ms. Special Edition, which dealt on the fight for democracy and reported on demonstrations against the abuses of the period.
“No less than former President Fidel V. Ramos described Ms. Magsanoc as the ‘icon of Edsa People Power Revolution’ because of her contribution to the restoration and preservation of democracy,” said the resolution.
It also pointed out that amid the renewal of democratic ideals and protection to press freedom under the new constitution, Magsanoc founded a broadsheet that would credibly practice its motto of “Balanced News, Fearless Views,” which the resolution said, “undoubtedly stems from the courageous and independent streak of its founders.”
As editor in chief from June 1991 until her untimely passing on December 24, 2015, Magsanoc was considered as the PDI’s “unfailing compass, an institution she served for more than 24 years, making her the first woman and the longest-serving editor in chief of one of the country’s leading newspapers.”
The resolution enumerated the various awards and distinctions that Magsanoc had received.
“Her legacy shall live through the countless individuas she has inspired in all her years of service to the nation through her unquestioned dedication to journalistic excellence and commitment to truth,” Legarda’s resolution added.TVJ
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