I know of some ‘legit journs’ who are equally corrupt

“Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country.”

—Karl Kraus

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IT’S understandable for some of our media colleagues to jump the gun on the five bogus Manila journalists (the four only actually acted as “bagmen”) led by a social media madcap, Franco Mabanta, for “shaming” the media profession after being arrested by the NBI in a sting operation for alleged extortion on May 6.

The venal and mercenaries weren’t even legitimate members of the working press, but many online platforms, newspapers and TV networks identified 43-year-old Mabanta as “media executive” and his cohorts—including the Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) charlatans—as “(digital) media commentators.”

The word “media” was a slammer.

For many ordinary people, Mabanta and his ilk were real journalists or dyed-in-the-wool news/commentary anchors.

Normal news listeners and readers, after all, don’t (have time to) distinguish between mainstream professional reporters and social media influencers who act as political paid hacks. All colors agree in the dark.

 

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Thus, the revulsion from the ranks of the mainstream press what with the breathtaking NBI entrapment operation turning into a swashbuckling nationwide blockbuster event.

The holier-than-thou among us naturally cried foul: “We (the legitimate press) worked hard and protected our reputation over the years only to be destroyed in scandalous degree by the likes of Mabanta, et al?”

For a while, it became a sweeping black eye on the media industry as a whole—until legitimate journalists started to quickly correct the “false” impression Mabanta, et al and the real working press are one and the same.

The striking narrative is, “you’re not one of us, of course, that’s why you are corrupt, or that’s why you are capable of doing extortion activity.”

As if all legitimate journalists are pristine and immaculate as Caesar’s wife while all pseudo-journalists like Mabanta, et al are filthy like manholes.  

 

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The bad news is Mabanta, et al don’t have the monopoly of infamy they had brought themselves into.

There are also scoundrels in the ranks of active or regular media, and they’re as guilty as the ones they dread calling “our colleagues” like the embattled PGMN dregs.

Based on personal knowledge and experience, we know a lot of broadcast and print media thugs who operated (and are still operating) worse than Mabanta, et al.

The only difference is the amount involved in larceny. But whether the ripoff amounted to P300 million or P3,000, it’s still plain and simple extortion.

This identity crisis, or the sweeping generalization of the legit and fake ones, is what we have been worrying about ever since media technology evolved over the years and morphed into a giant octopus with mind-boggling tentacles. Confusing and unstoppable.

The assertion that some legitimate journalists are as corrupt as "bogus" or unethical journalists, meanwhile, is a subjective, heavily debated statement that cannot be classified simply as correct or incorrect.

It is a matter of perspective on media ethics.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

Iloilo’s foiled NBI dragnet and the lousy ‘extortionists’

“Using coercion to drive charity is like using kidnapping to create love.”

―Stefan Molyneux

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

ILOILO’s Atong (not the fugitive cockfighting aficionado involved in the missing sabungeros) proved himself to be more savvy and clever compared to the alleged extortionists of former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Although he failed to pick up the P30,000 cash intended as extortion payoff (it was a windfall in 1994 when the exchange rate was subtly $1 to P27) inside Tavern, a popular Iloilo City restaurant in the 90s, Atong’s crime had been swept under the rug for 32 years now.

In cahoots with the real mastermind, Benhur (not his real name), Atong was tasked to collect the loot inside the restaurant but changed his mind when alerted by the physician, the victim of an extortion attempt who was waiting with several National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents inside the crime scene.

The physician, known as “Arthur,” then the director of a state-owned medical center, had been embroiled in a corruption scandal and this was uncovered by Benhur, a “blocktime” radio talent (meaning he wasn’t employed in the station as a regular broadcaster).

To make the long story short, Benhur demanded from Arthur P30,000 cash in exchange for not tackling the issue in his radio program. Sounds familiar, huh.

 

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Arthur, who was in retirement age, agreed to pay the largesse, but did not have any idea it was his “friend” Atong who was asked by Benhur to pick up the cash.

In fact, Arthur didn’t know Atong, who visited his office regularly asking for “donations” in relation to Atong’s own monkey businesses, was associated with the notorious Benhur.

Arthur thought Benhur was acting alone until Atong entered the picture during the aborted payoff.

Although he received instructions from Benhur, Atong admitted later he had no idea it was Arthur who was the subject of Benhur’s felonious activity.

Benhur described to Arthur over the phone the profile of the person who would pick up the cash at around one o’clock in that afternoon. When Arthur saw Atong, he quickly called him to “back off.”

Atong, a born hustler, was quick-witted and smart, thus he backtracked, and speedily darted to the opposite street and avoided the NBI dragnet.

“Diutik lang gid ko bilay sing. Wala gid ko idea nga si Doc (real name) to gali,” Atong swore. “Tuod man. Cross my heart.” (It was a close call. I swear I had no idea it was my doctor friend who was involved. Cross my heart.)

Since the foiled caper, Atong severed his friendship with Benhur. They never spoke again until Benhur’s death years later.

 

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Romualdez’s five alleged extortionists (including those in their spurious online media outlet) led by Franco Mabanta weren’t cagey and wise enough when they allegedly committed the extortion.

They must have falsely imagined themselves belonging to gigantic networks like BBC and CNN that they believed any Tom, Dick, and Harry would easily succumb to their atrocious and incredible “extortion demands” that reached P300 million.

Based on their stature and social standing, they aren’t even worth P1 million.

The truth is, they were peanuts. To begin with, they weren’t even legitimate members of the press—or they weren’t even employed in reputed media organizations; the legitimacy of their claims as “investigative journalists” isn’t backed by any competent and empirical evidence.

In their frenzied attempt to get instant rich through their skullduggery, they ended up being manacled, jailed and humiliated.

They are lousy “extortionists” and should be dismissed as plain and simple hooligans masquerading as media workers.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

Respect the ex-VP’s decision

“You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity.”

—Thomas Wolfe

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

SINCE the presidency of any nation, they say, is “a gift from God,” we suggest leaving Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo alone now that she has expressed no appetite to participate in the national election other than running for reelection in her current position.

If she believes the highest elective position in the country isn’t her gift from God, there’s nothing those who admire her can do now unless she changes her mind in the eleventh hour.

There’s a proverb that says, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." Meaning we can provide the likes of Mayor Robredo with an opportunity or resource, but can’t force them to take advantage of it.

Even perspectives on the issue that “the presidency is a gift from God” vary widely since whether only those with “a gift from God" can become president is a matter of intense theological and political debate, not a legal requirement.

While not a legal requirement, Dr. Miranda Zapor Cruz once said it is practically difficult for an outspoken atheist to win the presidency due to the religious demographics of the voting population.

 

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There have been calls for Mayor Robredo to reconsider her decision after announcing recently she wasn’t interested to run for Philippine president in 2028.

"I am sure for myself that I won't (take part) in the national (elections)," the former vice president declared two weeks ago, stating she intended to focus on local governance in Naga City.

Her supporters and the Liberal Party continued to woo her even after she has already expressed desire to seek a second term as mayor of Naga City, aiming to complete projects within her "2028 Finish Lines" roadmap.

Robredo, who lost to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr in the 2022 presidential race, indicated she prefers a "new face" to step forward and that running for a national position is not aligned with her current desire for local community work.

Many Filipinos believe only Robredo can prevent the return of another Duterte in Malacanang now that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has been leading in the surveys for president despite facing an impeachment case that threatens to oust her from office and the presidential race.

Robredo’s number in the surveys has been consistently showing some positive signs even if she hasn’t declared her intention to run.

 

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Below is a petition from Robredo’s supporters being circulated online and in many communities in a hope to convince her to run for president in 2028:

The Kakampink movement fought hard for Vice President Leni Robredo. Against all odds, it stood firm and still managed to win nearly half of the national vote in the 2022 elections, despite the massive gap in machinery, resources, and funding. We were heartbroken by the loss, but many of us believe it happened for a reason. The people were able to witness firsthand the consequences of their choice. Through all of this, one truth remains unmistakably clear: Leni Robredo was the right choice, the perfect choice—TOTGA, 'The One That Got Away'—that this country still needs.

Since her term as Vice President of the Philippines, Leni Robredo has shown relentless dedication, integrity, and compassion. Known for her unyielding devotion to grassroots movements and inclusive politics, she has always represented hope for a nation yearning for genuine change. Her leadership is not only a beacon for the Filipino people but also a bastion of democracy and equity.

Our nation faces many challenges: economic instability, social inequality, and an eroded trust in leadership. Now more than ever, we need a leader who embodies transparency, empathy, and fortitude. Robredo's track record for public service and her profound connection with the people's struggles make her the leader we need to steer us toward a brighter future.

By urging Leni Robredo to consider a presidential run in 2028, we are taking a step toward rebuilding our nation. Her vision for a transparent, accountable, and compassionate government offers the promise of progress and healing our beloved country needs.

Join us in calling on Leni Robredo to accept the challenge and run for the presidency in 2028. By doing so, we can stop the collapse we are witnessing and work together toward revitalizing our nation. Sign this petition to make your voice heard and encourage Robredo to take on the mantle of leadership once more.

 

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NO MAN IS AN ISLAND. The reason why a seesaw was made for two persons is that when you go down, there would always be someone there to lift you up again!

Happiness doesn't come in brightly colored packages as gifts from others. It comes when we uncover the gifts within us and use them to serve others.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

Catch me if you can on Friday night

“If you call your opponent a politician, it’s grounds for libel.”

–Mark Russell

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHEN our media colleague Manuel “Boy” Mejorada was arrested by police on June 7, 2019 for cyberlibel, it was a Friday night.

Mejorada would have been immediately hauled to jail if he wasn’t brought to the St. Paul’s Hospital in Iloilo City when his blood pressure shot up.

Unlike former broadcaster and alleged fake news peddler Jay Sonza, who had to spend three nights inside the jail after being arrested on April 30, 2026, a Friday night, by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Quezon City regarding a cyberlibel case for allegedly spreading false information and fake medical records regarding President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s health.

We find the timing of the arrest of both Mejorada and Sonza, as well as other fellow journalists, pernicious and malicious. Arresting officers are aware we can’t post bail if we are cornered on a Friday night.

 

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I had my own share of nightmare engaging arresting police officers in a cat and mouse chase for trying to get me on a Friday night when the court ordered my arrest for libel as editor in the past.

Luckily, I wasn’t home when the arresting officers came to “fetch” me.

Since libel is a criminal case in the Philippines, it’s a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the cops to put a cuff on the accused while he is being brought behind bars.

Thank God I missed the metal bracelets in all the warrants of arrest issued for the 38 counts of libel filed by the plaintiff, “The People of the Philippines,” against me, our late former Sun.Star Iloilo Daily publisher, Marcos “Mark” Villalon, and columnist Wenceslao “Mat” Mateo way back in 1999, or 27 years ago.

My sore eyes infection was starting to develop when I learned that the first warrant of arrest had been issued by the RTC Branch 25 and cops were coming to get me on a Friday.

Thus, I decided to quietly spend a night at Bahay Kubo, a rented hut in Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City.

A police mugshot of yours truly would have yielded two awful but “beautiful red eyes.”

Thank God we beat to the draw all the other upcoming warrants of arrest by immediately posting bail after being tipped off by the Good Samaritans inside the Hall of Justice.

 

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What happened to Mejorada and Sonza should serve as a warning to all those charged with a criminal case: avoid being arrested on a Friday.

If an accused in a criminal case is arrested end of the regular week after office hours, he has no more chance to post bail in court for his temporary freedom.

He will have to spend at least three nights and two days in jail while waiting for Monday during office hours.

In 1993, veteran Iloilo columnists Herbert Vego and the late Teddy Sumaray chose to spend overnight “as a matter of principle” inside the Iloilo City Police Office detention cell rather than posting a bail of P10,000 each for the libel case filed by the late lawyer-publisher Fraulin Penasales.

Friends and the late Panay News publisher Danny Fajardo helped “avert” another harrowing night in the calaboose for the two bespectacled senior editors.

In libel cases, the showdown vis-a-vis the prosecution panel during the actual trial of the case doesn’t scare us practicing journalists; it even excites us, modesty aside, like we are nominees in the Oscar Awards.

We believe that libel–the crime of destroying a person’s reputation by publicity–is hard to prove under the Philippine laws because it requires the presence of all four elements: malice, publication, defamation, and identification.

What’s unsettling if we get caught by arresting police on a Friday is the prospect of being harassed and bullied, and having to sleep side by side the hardened criminals and notorious fiends inside a crowded detention cell.

 

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THESE ARE THE 10 NEW SUPERFOODS. The superstars -- blueberries, almonds, tomatoes, flaxseeds, broccoli, red wine, salmon, olive oil, edamame, brown rice. The understudy -- strawberries, peanuts, white button mushrooms, beer, sunflower seeds, cauliflower, trout, safflower oil, black beans, barley. (Source: Sally Kuzemchak, R.D., Fitness: Mind, Body + Spirit)

OUTSMARTING A SNACK ATTACK. Eating two small snacks a day can help us lose weight. Trouble is, research shows that we're munching more than ever before--choosing foods that are high in calories and fat--and packing on the pounds as a result. "Often we're not even hungry, but because we're surrounded by food, we're tempted to eat anyway," says Kerry Neville, Ph.D. of American Dietetic Assn.

'YOU'RE A PIG.' Don't feel bad if an adversary or critic will call you a pig. Ronald Reagan, like George Bush and Bill Clinton, was also called a pig but he retorted, "I am very proud to be called a pig. It stands for Pride, Integrity and Guts."

STAND UP BEFORE TOUCHING THE TOILET HANDLE. One in three people flush while sitting down. If we are one of them, let us consider this: When we flush, droplets of water spray in the air. That means we can be exposed to bacteria, which increases our risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). (Source: Soap and Water & Common Sense.)

POWERFUL GRASS. God wants us to live like the grass. In spite of being stepped on, crushed, burned, or cut, it always persists and grow back...even greener and stronger. A blessed week to everyone.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)