Aquino asks PH media to not be negative

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III asked the media Wednesday not to be negative and instead report “uplifting” news to the public.

Speaking before members of the media at the annual forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap), Aquino said that although the media is given a free hand to criticize, it should also tell good news.

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

“By all means, criticize; dialogue has, in many cases, helped accelerate our nation’s development. My only suggestion is for you to make room in your reports for hope. After all, it is also one of the tasks of media to inspire our countrymen with uplifting news,” Aquino said.

He also said that the media should be cautious in striking a balance in reporting events.

“Media is part and parcel of society, and it is incumbent upon you to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. These days, that also means accurately representing the national condition by striking a healthy balance between the positive and the negative. Negativism has driven some members of our media for far too long, and it might one day convince our people that a disproportionate amount of national events are negative; that all is lost and it is foolish to hope,” Aquino said.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to completely eliminate extralegal killings in the country.

“Our administration will not be content until this [extralegal killings] number reaches zero. As we continue our efforts to bring to justice all those who have resorted to violence or intimidation to skew or hide the truth, my only request is that the media fulfill its obligation of protecting the truth as well,” Aquino added.

Aquino recently said in his European and United States trip that not all media killings are related to the job.

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