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The following are some of the reactions from my students in Media Laws & Ethics class at the University of San Jose Recoletos following their attendance in the Marshal Mcluhan Forum on Responsible Media held on December 7, 2007 at the USRJ audio-visual room:

From: "Dangerous Creators"

It is quie ramarkable when  Maam Inday Varona pointed out that "If a nation has no civil liberties it has no right to call itself a democratic country."  Funny, how this quote reminds us on the realities behind our present dilemma: yet we were not able to apply them as far as press freedom is concern. Thus, she added that democracy is still under siege.

From: "Mga Banggiitan"

It is clear that the bottom line of the forum is indeed about responsible media. There were questions raised asking about the Free Press. Yes, we have this so called "Freedom of the Press" but up to what extent? Everyone knows that there is no such thing in this world as absolute freedom, so where do we draw the line? It all boils down to media ethics and responsible media. The media plays a social responsibility of the society on telling what the public needs to know. The public deserves and needs the truth of all. They need to know both sides as to weigh things.

From: "Press Express"

It’s right to criticize Arroyo but it’s not right to support or sympathize with (Senator) Trillanes. That moment, the responsibility and accountability of media men were tested. They were put in the boundary of duty, life, and human rights.

Media plays a vital role in the society. Media is the window of the people of our country. Media float as it is. Philippine media is free because it has a long history of fighting for freedom. The country cannot be free if media would not stand for their rights. Press freedom and freedom of expression are important because without these freedom it is easier to manipulate the remaining freedom.

From: "Ethical Warriors"

During the forum, we had learned that media is a tool to diverge people in their culture in all around the world. Media has the responsility to inform the people what are the happenings in the society. It is the window of truth..

By all those discussions there is one important thing that retains in our minds and hearts that as a media man we need also to take good care of our life most especially when we are on duty. If we won’t who will then inform the public on the status quo of our society. Yes, we need to leave the place where we sense danger and it can possibly imperil our lives.

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