N.B. – This was published in Asian Correspondent (April 19, 9:35 p.m.) where I write a weekly column (Philippine Fantasy).

Three journalists from the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar emailed a few questions about the media situation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Allow me to share my answers.

What is the overall media situation in the Philippines?

There exists a culture of impunity in the Philippines which gives rise to the killings and other forms of harassment and intimidation of journalists. Aside from extrajudicial killings, the government tries to creatively interpret laws like libel to silence dissent. Some legislators have also tried to introduce laws that suppress media like the so-called “right of reply” which essentially compromises editorial independence in the choice of what to publish or air.

The media situation remains bad. Recently, a journalist (Marites Vitug) received a death threat for a book she wrote about the Supreme Court. A government agency (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) gave an X rating to two films that analyze poverty in the country and is critical of government policies. The details may be found in the recent statement I wrote titled “Resist the Arroyo-fication of media, culture and the arts.”

How did Philippines media report the Ampatuan massacre which claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 journalists last November 23?

We saw the complementation of social networking sites (e.g., Twitter, Facebook) with media organizations on the day that the massacre happened as the initial information came from some concerned citizens who were not professional journalists. The days that followed showed interest in the massacre. There were efforts to sustain coverage with the establishment of the November 23 Movement consisting of both mainstream and alternative media, not to mention the activities that were held every 23rd of the month so that people would not forget. Unfortunately, the interest was unfortunately waning as the massacre took its 100th day last March 3. It is hoped that we will not forget about what happened and still fight for justice. Right now, our responsibility is not just to cover events but to also be part of the struggle to end the culture of impunity.

What is the situation of the ASEAN media?

The ASEAN press is as varied as the history, culture, and economic situation of its 10 member-countries. Based on press freedom data from the US-based Freedom House, the ASEAN press may be classified as “Not Free” because the political, legal and economic environments are not conducive to the practice of the journalism profession.

ASEAN journalists are generally repressed. Censorship comes in various forms and may be directly or indirectly done by the governments. The killing of journalists is the highest form of censorship, a situation that happens mainly in the Philippines though Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand had their share of media killings from 1992 to 2009, based on data from the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

You’ve met some journalists from Myanmar. What is your impression of them?

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting young journalists from Myanmar who are dedicated to the responsible practice of the profession. They are also very eager to know the experience of other journalists. If and when they become gatekeepers of information (i.e., as editors or station managers of their media organizations), they could make a difference in professionalizing the media in Myanmar by helping raise the standards of journalism there. It is also hoped that they would also help in fighting for press freedom in Myanmar.

What are the responsibilities of journalists when the political situation becomes volatile, as in the case of Myanmar and the Philippines?

The media help in the shaping of public opinion mainly through their news and public affairs programs. They serve as the people’s main sources of information in making sound decisions. Journalists must therefore engage in truth-telling at all times. Any changes in the political situation must be reported objectively and fairly as the people deserve nothing less. Their analyses of issues must be based not on hearsay but on facts. They should report in a sober manner and not let their emotions get in the way of the presentation of the issues.