Isagani Yambot reminded us of journalism's timeless values

Many journalists who have never worked for the "Philippine Daily Inquirer" knew its long-time publisher Isagani "Gani" Yambot because he always seemed to be around whenever something important about the news profession needed to be discussed.

 

He brought to these meetings decades of experience as a journalist, and thus exuded authority when he pilloried any bill or idea that he felt would impinge on the freedom of the press. He survived Martial Law and knew of censorship firsthand. Despite having seen more than anyone else's share of tragedies befalling colleagues, he would still turn emotional when he spoke of journalists who were murdered just for doing their duty.   

After witnessing many changes in media during his career, Gani never failed to remind younger journalists that while the tools of the trade have evolved, the profession's bedrock values were timeless: truthfulness, fairness, non-partisanship, courage. 

 

Journalists at GMA News and Public Affairs were familiar with Gani because he was the Inquirer's representative at common endeavors, such as election coverage when the nation's leading TV network would combine forces with the nation's leading newspaper. We remember Gani as being a sober, reassuring, and dignified voice during these events, who could also crack a joke or two to lighten any tension. 

 

While his Inquirer colleagues can be rightly proud that he worked in their midst, at GMA we were never in doubt that Gani Yambot belonged to the entire profession. And he served it well. 

 

We condole with his family, and mourn the passing of a respected media leader. - GMA News