RAIN OF FIRE

Newspaper with a mission
CESAR G. BONILLA

LAOAG CITY -- The power of the press is always accompanied by corresponding responsibility. Readers rely on the journalist for the truth based on what they read in the papers. As a matter of fact, through his news story, a journalist can make or unmake a person or he can help put an end to unjust or unwise practice.

Just like our very own newspaper, the Northern Philippine Times. It has a mission or a crusade for reforms through objective reportage of the news. The militant media had made the administration feel its sharp sting.

We are living in a democratic society where public opinions should be respected and the “truth” about a certain issue must be appraised the freedom-loving citizens. The most common offenses which journalists should guard against are: libel, accepting bribes, sensationalism, invasion of privacy, obscenity and superficiality.
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A newspaper or a journalist should have integrity, patience and humility and be the protector of oppressed people. Press freedom means governmental acceptance of the right to operate a newspaper without interference from authority and without fear of punishment.

This freedom is guaranteed in the Philippine Constitution but should not be interpreted to mean that a newspaper may, with impurity, cast a slur on an individual, intentionally incite groups of people to violence, or distort the news with half-truths and deliberate omissions.

It is also the responsibility of the newspaper owner and writers to educate the masses by banning pornographic materials or obscene articles being put in the front page for the goal of newspaper business is not the accumulation of profit but to contribute in our quest for moral and political transformation. Modesty aside, the Northern Philippine Times, on its eighth anniversary, continues to give valuable ideas and newsworthy items to the readers. Your continued support is highly appreciated.
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Everyone of use should think of the best for our fellowmen and not to commit offenses that will ruin the lives of our brothers and sisters especially through irresponsible “texting”of so-called news that spreads fast warning of inevitable disasters like earthquakes of high intensity even if these were not true.
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China got hit with such a catastrophe with so many helpless children killed and buried in the ground. While the world is convulsed by the heart-rending news, irresponsible texters maliciously magnified the extent of agony by sending messages about an earthquake to horrify the public.

Such false news would be enough for someone to experience sleepless nights, fear and restlessness, nervous breakdown and other diseases associated with stress. On the other hand, to use your mobile phone to threaten your enemy or anybody whom you dislike is bad. The same with acts considered as felonies.

It is high time for the government to stop the indiscriminate accessibility to electronic communication especially if the intention of the user is to evoke fear. At this point, it must be regulated by legislative fiat.
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The spiritual adviser of the Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilocano (GUMIL) in the person of Rev. Fr. Danny Laeda was installed as a parish priest of St. Nicholas of Tolentin (San Nicolas de Tolentino in Iluko dialect).

His writings in the Bannawag and in a local newspaper in the province proves that he is indeed a man of letters. Fr. Danny is an asset not only to the church but also in the academe where he can contribute a lot for the enhancement of quality education and in the inculcation of religious, spiritual and moral virtues not only to students but to the teachers and parents..

With the able leadership of Ms Milagros Avelina Jose, the principal of Sta. Rosa Academy, the school will become a parthenon of greatness in the years to come. I also would like to acknowledge the contributions of SRA faculty in their mission to mold the youth under a God-inspired philosophy.
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This humble writer also extends his deep felicitation to the birthday celebrant, Fr. Melchor Palomares, whom God had anointed last year as one of the shepherds of His flock in Christian formation through evangelization.

Fr. Melchor was a former announcer and commentator of a Catholic radio station in the North. His philosophical wisdom, he imparted to his lucky students at Mariano Marcos State University. His idealism brought him in one of the government offices as a diligent employee.

Until then did he probably realize by constant mediation or reflection about divine calling that finally answered his quest for a worthy life. Priesthood is not an easy vocation. Being a representative of our Lord, Jesus Christ, requires a lot of dedication commitment, leadership by example, humility, and trustworthiness. Many are called in the grapevine of the Lord but only a few are chosen.
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The robbery that took place in well-known banks in Laguna deserves public condemnation for only cold-blooded barbarians could do what they did by killing bank employees including the manager.

A case of robbery with homicide would probably been filed against the killers if authorities can identify them. Once again, solving the case would be a measure on how effective our law enforcement agencies are.

Some powerful people in the country have blamed the prohibition imposed by law for the imposition of death penalty as a deterrent to crimes prevalent in the metro polis. But crime is rising due to poverty, greed for money, unemployment, proliferation of unlicensed firearms, drug addiction and many more.

Some people are not contented with what they have even if these are products of honest labor. They want more. This is a sin called “envy”. Do not dream of the impossible. Instead, be satisfied for what you have. But the government must also introduce poverty-alleviation programs that will benefit marginalized citizens. Poverty breeds crime. We must sympathize with the families and relatives of unfortunate victims and pray that justice will come soon. No one is above the law for ours is a government of laws and not of men.
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I would like to congratulate and say happy wedding yo my good cousin Rose Luis of Barangay. 22, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Her future husband, Douglas Henderson, hails from a foreign country. My cousin is like a sister to me.

She is a brilliant educator and had been gifted by God with a heart of gold. Surely, Douglas is very lucky to have her. To you cousin, may your life be as colorful and glorious with your beloved partner always there to lift your spirit up. With God as the center of your existence, your covenant of love will flourish to eternal bliss.