VP Sara to aspiring journalists: ‘Never assume, don’t lie’

Vice President and outgoing Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday urged students who want to become journalists in the future not to report anything that is not the truth.

During the opening ceremony of the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in Carcar City, Cebu, Duterte directed the call to participants whom she described as “future award-winning journalists.” \

“Never print or post or circulate something that you know is not the truth. Huwag ninyong gawin na sirain ang buhay ng ibang tao, sirain ang imahe ng iba’t ibang organisasyon o mga tao sa alam niyong hindi totoo,” the Vice President said.

(Don’t destroy the life or image of other people or organizations by reporting something that is not true.)

She also advised the aspiring journalists not to assume anything when doing their reports.

“Kapag opinyon ninyo ang sinusulat ninyo, never assume anything. Huwag niyong ipaghalo ang assumption at opinyon. Magkaibang bagay ‘yun,” she added.

(If you’re writing your own opinions, never assume anything. Don’t mix assumptions and opinions because those are different things.)

Duterte also expressed hope to see the student participants become journalists in the future and win not just local but international awards as well.

The NSPC, which aims to promote fair and ethical use of media as tenets of responsible journalism, will be conducted from July 8 to July 12, 2024.

The conference also wishes to demonstrate to participants the understanding of journalism through skillful execution in various platforms such as print, broadcast, and online; and to recognize the role of journalism in advocating for social consciousness and environmental awareness. —RF, GMA Integrated News