PNoy to media: Report Ruby responsibly

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday appealed to the media to report responsibly on Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), which threatens to hit central Philippines on Saturday.

 

During a media forum in Pasay City, Aquino particularly criticized a major daily for using a headline describing the approaching typhoon as “Yolanda-like.”

 

The President said “no indication or official analysis” ever predicted Ruby to match Yolanda in terms of strength.

 

“One has to ask: What was the basis of such speculation, and don’t we all agree that in reporting, we must always get the facts right, the angle right, and the news right, if we are to truly inform our people?” Aquino said.

 

He added that to be able to help the public, the media should “leave nothing to chance.”

 

“It is my hope that from your pens will come the responsible, sober writing that will help foster the confidence we need as we weather this challenge again as people,” the President said.

 

Earlier in the day, state weather bureau PAGASA already placed 33 areas under storm signal warnings, as Ruby continues to move toward the country. 

 

Ruby is estimated to make landfall over the area between Eastern Samar and Northern Samar Saturday evening. The weather disturbance may also bring heavy rains and strong winds over areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last year.

 

‘Temptation to be negative’

 

At the same forum, Aquino once again pointed out the media’s tendency to focus on negativity.

 

The President also said that publications in the country tend to be a mixed bag, with objective ones and “empty” ones.

“There are certain publications that make it a point to, not just say it’s half-empty, but almost totally empty regardless of whatever the topic is,” Aquino said.

 

“There are those that will tend to be objective, but there is of course the temptation to be negative,” he added.

 

He likewise reiterated his call to the media to have a “balance between the negative and the positive,” and to report what the government “is trying to do.”

 

“We are always ready to listen. If we are wrong, please do point it out. We want to correct it, but please don’t start out dialoguing with us with a mind that is already closed,” Aquino said. —NB, GMA News