Pangasinan Today

 By ROLAND A. HIDALGO

 Publisher

THE RECENT remarks from two parties, which featured Pangasinan broadcasters speaking in their respective programs, apparently, in a fighting mood, did not portray an appreciable act.

While we recognize their respective stand as journalists in their own rights, we should, as members of the Fourth Estate, project an image that could help us perform our duties as newsmen who discuss matters of interest with truth and politeness.

Only last week, an anchorman of a morning program on an AM radio in Dagupan City spoke unsavory words to describe how some colleagues in the local media do their thing to earn a living.

The anchorman talked about a subject which presented precisely, a setting that has something to do with “amenities” that go along well with the operation of “jueteng”.

The worst part of commentary led to dropping names who allegedly gained impetus in being listed as recipients of “jueteng” payola.

According to the anchorman, the recipients receive fat “envelopes” that contain money which amounted to as much as P30,000 a month.

The “cash gift”, according to the anchorman, is being handed to the recipients for not talking in their respective programs nor writing in their print outlets, anything about the prevailing “jueteng” operation.

 Those whose names have been mentioned by the anchorman on the morning program reacted vigorously on what was aired live.

Sudden impulse, indeed, forced one announcer in whipping up a fight with the originator of the “jueteng” payola issue. The provocation was pronounced live over another morning program also on an AM radio based in

The move was, apparently, done as a form of retaliation against the one who cast the first stone.

While that is understandable as an instant reaction, the act only served to fan the issue.

At any rate, the gesture from both parties did not do good for members of the local media.

We could only hope that such chitchat do not again happen in the future to save grace for members of the Fourth Estate in Pangasinan.

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Governor Amado T. Espino must have been doing well when he opted to speak about what he has done for Pangasinan and its people.

He must have chosen the right venue when he decided to present the contents of his report before members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the public watching the proceedings of the session.

The act serves to inform the provincefolk about what is taking place under Governor Espino’s rule of the affairs of the province.

It is a clear presentation of transparency of events to the provincefolk who deserve the right to know what is happening in the province.

The gesture is also a move that prevents the governor against all odds that might be hurled against him by his detractors who only want to destroy his momentum in running the affairs of the province.

Keep up the good work, governor! We stay behind you to support you and your programs for the development of Pangasinan and its people.

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