Guilty until proven innocent

Posted on March 24, 2007 - Filed Under Punch Forum |

Miguel Bulatao
24 Mar 2007

 

 

Mr. Pontaoe,

Please try to look for my March 6 post. That was the post where I wrote about the governor's absenteeism. And what's wrong anyway if I want to see my governor for personal purposes? Isn't that my right? Isn't that part of the service he should render to his constituents? I am not asking for an arm and a leg, just a simple chat with the governor.

And why do you say it's personal when in fact I went there as a representative of our local youth group? You did not even bother to ask me why I went there and yet you start barking out comments like that. You even insinuate that I want immediate attention.

I went there the first time, he was not there and I was told to come back at another date. I came back, still no show and gave me another date yet again. I came back again, he just left the office. I finally gave up. I don't think that even comes close to me wanting immediate attention.

I never said that Filipinos in America don't pay taxes. Where did you even get such an idea, Eduardo? It might be you who has downed the Johnny Blue. And I never flaunted my tax payment. It was you who even declared $600 a year as your payment. I never quoted any figure on my part. I just said I am a taxpayer and I deserve to see the governor. It doesn't matter how much taxes I pay. I pay them, period. That makes me a taxpayer, doesn't it?

Yes, I said media only talks about bad things most of the time, and thus it is not an adequate source by itself. And yes, I wrote that if something fishy happens etc., expose it to media. Isn't something fishy equivalent to something bad? So where's the contradiction there, amigo? My point still holds true, that media will most of the time only talk about bad things.

However, Eduardo, I very much agree with your last statement that news reporting is a two sided coin. If only everyone would take a look at both sides, then we will all be better off. But this is usually not the case. Some people believe almost anything they read. Isn't chismis one of the favorite past times of pinoys?

In the Philippines, you are guilty until proven innocent. That is the sad truth. Mr. Pontaoe, I forgive you for not being able to read my March 6 post, as I do not expect anyone to read all posts in the Forum. However it would be best to really read thoroughly and think about what you will be posting in the forum first, before actually making strong comments like you usually do.

This is a good example of responsible journalism and will make discussions in this forum more informative and fair. I was only able to make a comment on the governor's absenteeism since I experienced it first hand. Others might have a different experience, but this is my experience and that is what I based my comments on.

As you have written previously, entente cordiale. No offense meant and none taken.

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