The guidelines, summarized in 14 points, are consistent with the generally accepted protocol as regards crisis reporting.

1. “Exercise extra care in airing live interviews and live coverage during hostage and other situations that involve law enforcement operations that are risky to our field personnel, to those involved in the incident (e.g., hostages and hostage taker), and to the public. Always be aware that lives may be at stake.
2. “In the event of live coverage, avoid revealing in video and audio the plans, positions, movements, weapons, and preparations of law enforcers.
3. “Avoid interviewing or otherwise talking to hostage takers, potential suicides, and other subjects of imminent law enforcement operations. Decline police requests to negotiate or otherwise mediate with the above except for extraordinary reasons cleared with top management.
4. “Never portray as acceptable the actions of hostage takers, potential suicides, and other subjects of law enforcement operations.
5. “Assume that hostage takers and other subjects of police and military action are monitoring the coverage through television, radio, computer, or cell phone (via sms, web connection, or calls from others who are monitoring the coverage on other media).
6. “Assume that regardless of demeanor of hostage taker or gunman, he is unstable and dangerous, and may have intent to kill.
7. “Assume that police may not be able to handle media or a crowd. Thus we must know when and how to restrain ourselves.
8. “Assume that children will be watching so we must make an effort to avoid graphic speech and video that could be disturbing to the viewing public.
9. “Explain to viewers why certain information is being withheld.
10. “Avoid airing announcements of fatalities until verified by authorities on the record and/or notification of next of kin.
11. “In the coverage of any crisis involving law enforcement and rescue operations, coverage teams must use the appropriate protective equipment – including bullet-proof vests, helmets, gas masks, life vests, etc.
12. “Assign professionals in our organization to focus only on the ethical, safety, and non-technical aspects of our coverage during crisis situations and give immediate feedback to decision-makers when the coverage threatens to violate our standards for safety and conduct. Safety officers and news managers can be deployed to check on the safety preparations of field personnel.
13. “When possible, coordinate with the authorities when a crisis situation occurs, thus creating an opportunity for the authorities to relay information vital to our safety.
14. “Avoid unnecessary risks. The safety of personnel, the public, and those directly involved in the incident is paramount. No story is worth sacrificing lives for.”

Based on a matrix prepared by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), one can safely assume that the GMA Network reviewed not only its internal guidelines but also the professional and ethical standards of journalism worldwide.

There are, however, a few issues that the 14-point guidelines failed to address.

1. What is the GMA Network’s stand as regards a media blackout if, in the future, the authorities were to request one? (We operate on the assumption that, just as a Journalism 101 student is aware of the distinction, the network knows the difference between a media blackout and delayed/limited coverage.)
2. Will the GMA Network continue to interview family members and friends of a hostage-taker? (Again, we assume that the network knows the consequences of doing so, hence the need to avoid it.)
3. Will the news anchors engage in contextual reporting/commentary while the field reporter provides current observations, taking into account the need to provide context to ongoing developments that can be provided mainly by strengthening the research capability of the network?
4. Will the anchors and field reporters refrain from engaging in useless banter during “lull” moments, mindful of the fact that this might result in speculation and innuendo which are counter-productive to the shaping of public opinion?
5. Will the network be open to stopping live coverage if public interest and the safety of civilians warrant it? If the answer is yes, what are the factors that it would consider?

One may also argue that the guidelines, no matter how specific, comprehensive and well-written, would be useless if they were not strictly followed. While there are obviously no guarantees about future coverage, an indication of sincerity is self-criticism. The latter is expected from the network now that it has its improved guidelines.

The fact that the guidelines were improved, after all, means that there were lapses in the GMA Network’s coverage of the hostage crisis last August 23. Media audiences may have an idea of what these are, but it would still be best for the network to acknowledge them and apologize to its viewers.

The first challenge for GMA Network at this point is to identify these ethical violations. Allow me to identify two of them.

1. There is obviously something wrong when the network’s camera was positioned right behind the sniper’s vantage point, as shown in this video, as it affects the ongoing police operation. What proves to be worse is the periodic interview done by a GMA field reporter with the sniper as regards what he was doing.
2. Another GMA field reporter was reported to have contaminated the crime scene as he went inside the bus after the hostage-taker was killed. He commented on air that he stepped on parts of an internal organ of the hostage-taker (that I prefer not to specify to protect the sensibility of audiences). Aside from contaminating the crime scene, the on-air commentary is too graphic considering that children could be watching and there could be families having dinner during the time when the live report was happening.

There are many other ethical violations and errors in judgment. The objective of self-criticism is not to single out a particular network but to stress the next, logical step to coming out with new guidelines.

If GMA Network deems it necessary to make its new guidelines public, then there should be nothing wrong with making public also its self-criticism, as well its public apology.

This two-way traffic sign is globally accepted. By the way, it doesn’t mean that traffic moves upward and downward.

I guess this would explain why some two-way traffic signs use two horizontal directional lines (or just a single line with two arrows). Then again, such signs are only useful from your vantage point if you are crossing a two-way street.

If you don’t speak Filipino, you won’t find our next sign funny. Some Filipinos, during informal conversations, say dehins (instead of hindi which means “no”) and olats (instead of talo which means “lose”). Did you know that huwad means “fake” in English?

Well, if it has been in business since 1936, I guess we are assured of the quality of whatever it’s selling, regardless of the store’s name.

And if you’re not familiar with Filipino surnames, you may think that our next sign is a misspelling.

Yes, Daylit is assumed to be the surname of the business owner. The sign does not claim that the salon is open during daylight.

If you’re not familiar with abbreviated Filipino phrases, you’ll definitely wonder what this abbreviation means (which for me is misplaced as the sign is better off expressed in English).

The abbreviation atbp. stands for at iba pa (and others). Given that the business name and the major services provided are in English, the abbreviation “etc.” should have been used.

For our next sign, the error is not that easy to detect.

Let’s take a closer look.

Yes, the word “tense” should have been used instead.

For our next sign, the word is correct although they should have been joined together.

And if you don’t know where I took our last sign, you would think that there is something ungrammatical about it.

Where did I take this picture? At MUST, believe it or not! MUST stands for Mindanao University of Science and Technology, the venue for a writing workshop I conducted in Cagayan de Oro City.

The sign only stresses the obvious: Let’s keep the campus clean and green. Of course, the university’s acronym should have been written as M.U.S.T. to make the message clearer (especially to outsiders like me).

That’s it for now. More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

The first media casualty of Presidential Proclamation 1017 four years ago goes back on air starting today (September 6) at 2:00 p.m.

Sali Na, Bayan! (loose translation: Join us now, people) airs from Monday to Friday over DZUP 1602 khz (AM station) from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (GMT -8). The main host is Raymund Villanueva. Joining him in the pilot episode today are two of his five co-hosts, journalist Benjie Oliveros and this writer. The other co-hosts will be announced within the week. The radio program is produced by Kodao Productions, an award-winning multimedia production outfit. Live streaming is available at Kodao’s website.

The one-hour program from Monday to Friday discusses social issues from the point of view of marginalized sectors of society. It will invite guests from various cause-oriented groups to shed light on burning issues of the day, particularly those that directly affect them. There will also be live reports from various regions regarding events, issues and concerns that the public needs to know. The program will also play progressive songs which do not usually get airtime from many FM music stations.

Sali Na, Bayan! is an incarnation of an award-winning radio program produced by Kodao which got cancelled ironically as the nation celebrated the 20th year of EDSA 1 (a people’s uprising that happened in 1986 which ended the dictatorship under then President Ferdinand Marcos).

On February 24, 2006, then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo imposed a state of national emergency due to what she claimed to be a breakdown of peace and order, particularly the alleged conspiracy between the “extreme Left” and the “extreme Right.” Within two hours of the Macapagal-Arroyo’s announcement, the award-winning radio program Ngayon Na, Bayan! (loose translation: Now’s the time, people) was unceremoniously axed by the management of DZRJ 810 khz (AM station) where it used to air.

At that time, sources said that the latter’s decision was due to pressures from the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

As if the cancellation were not enough, a witness named Jaime Fuentes executed an affidavit in March 2006 accusing Ngayon Na, Bayan! of being a propaganda arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Kodao Productions denied Fuentes’ accusation in a press statement.

Prior to its cancellation, Ngayon na, Bayan! received the 2002 Golden Dove Award for Best Public Affairs program for Radio in Metro Manila from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP, or Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines). Aside from that, the radio program was a consistent finalist at the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) from 2001 to 2005. From its first airing in 2001, it was the only radio program on DZRJ to be recognized by award-giving bodies like the KBP and CMMA.

Walking around the City of Golden Friendship, we noticed a sign badly in need of a hyphen.

And when we observed the signs inside the hotel where we checked in, we noticed the same problem.

Of course, the absence of a hyphen is minor compared to a sign, the name of an organization no less, that is “double-sexist” even if it may not be the intention of its members.

Let’s take a closer look.

This leads you to ask if women are allowed to become members of a brotherhood. What’s wrong with the use of the word businessmen? In my opinion, the word industrialist is more gender-neutral.

At this point, we come to a close, albeit temporarily. And by this time, you should know what’s wrong with our last sign.

This installment, however, does not really come to a close as I promise to present more funny signs from Cagayan de Oro City next week. Thank you for reading!

The Board of Regents (BOR), at its meeting last August 27, accepted the nominations of 11 candidates. The short announcement was uploaded the day after (August 28) in the university’s website. The nominees are the following:

1. Alaras, Consolacion R.
2. Azanza, Patrick Alain T.
3. Briones, Leonor M.
4. Cabral, Esperanza I.
5. Cao, Sergio S.
6. Diokno, Benjamin E.
7. Diokno Ma. Serena I.
8. Pangalangan, Raul C.
9. Pascual, Alfredo E.
10. Teodosio, Virginia S.
11. Velasco, Luis Rey I.

Among the 11 nominees, many Filipinos (especially those who are not connected with UP) may be more familiar with Briones, Cabral and Benjamin Diokno as they held Cabinet positions under past Philippine presidents. Students, professors and alumni of UP, however, may also know the candidates who served or continue to serve as professors – Alaras, Azanza, Serena Diokno, Pangalangan and Teodosio. Two candidates are currently chancellors of the biggest campuses of UP – Cao (UP Diliman) and Velasco (UP Los Baños). According to his LinkedIn account, Pascual is currently president of the UP Alumni Association and is therefore a member of the BOR representing the alumni.

Analyzing their credentials, all candidates clearly excel in their chosen fields (e.g., language, business, finance, economics, human resource management, labor, law, history, entomology, medicine). They are apparently respected by their peers. As high-ranking officials of UP, however, Cao and Velasco have a proven track record in management and can claim to have deeper working knowledge of UP. The same may also be true for Serena Diokno who once served as vice president of UP.

Much as one is tempted to scrutinize their track records (within and outside UP) this early, it may be prudent to suspend judgment and wait for them to present their vision statements.

Based on UP’s timetable, the nominees’ fora where they are expected to present their vision statements and to answer questions from the UP community will be held from September to October in the different constituent units (Diliman, Manila, Los Baños, Baguio, Visayas, Mindanao and Open University). A forum to be done via video-conferencing, for example, is scheduled at UP Diliman on September 24.

The presentation before the BOR and the interview with BOR members are scheduled on November 8. The BOR will then meet on November 26 to elect the next UP President on or before December 3. Update (September 1, 3:50 p.m.): UP released an updated schedule.

The UP BOR has 11 members. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Patricia Licuanan currently serves as the chair of the UP BOR, with UP President Roman as co-chairperson. The members are Sen. Edgardo Angara (chair, Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture), Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (chair, House Committee on Higher Education), Alfredo Pascual (president, UP Alumni Association), Judy Taguiwalo (faculty regent), Clodualdo Cabrera (staff regent), Cori Alessa Co (student regent), Abraham Sarmiento, Francis Chua and Nelia Gonzalez. The last three were appointees of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

There is much importance given to the presidency of UP as the latter is the country’s national university. It is widely perceived to be the one of the three best universities in the Philippines (the other two being Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University-Manila).

At UP, we always go Left! We don’t like going Right.

I know, it’s not really funny. But I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle or two after buying this doll.

Yes, these are changing times indeed. The sign below shows that you can mix numbers and letters and come up with a sign, just 4 U!

I hope I’m not just speaking for myself when I say that there is something wrong with a sign that sells pasta and…something!

As regards our next sign, there’s nothing ungrammatical about it. It’s just that the bathroom product has an interesting name.

I can only hope that the person who uses this does not end up looking like a couch potato!

Anyway, writing about couches reminds me of massage tables. In the Philippines, there are massage parlors that offer services beyond giving a massage. I guess this explains the defensive nature of this sign.

Let’s take a closer look at the message.

No need to explain. Just read between the lines!

Our next sign is taken from a tarpaulin which lists some signs of autism. Notice the error in diction?

Yes, the word “interacting” or “playing” should be used instead of “mixing.”

For our last sign, allow me to give another crash course in diction.

The word “persons” is a legal concept and refers to those who are natural (like you and me), juridical (like corporations) or both. In other words, persons could be living or non-living. What is a more accurate word to refer to those who are differently abled? People, of course.

More funny signs (and a few more English lessons) next week. Thank you for reading!

The interviewer’s questions and my answers were all in Filipino, so please find below the translation in English.

As a journalist, what is your definition of a news blackout?

A news blackout is the concerned authorities’ direct withholding of information which journalists need for their reports. The decision of the authorities could be in the context of protecting their own interests or of upholding the general welfare of society. Because of this, it is necessary for those in power to explain well the reasons for imposing a news blackout. They should also clearly state up to when it will last, if ever.

In your opinion, aside from invoking national security and upholding the interest of the majority, are there other reasons for imposing a news blackout?

It is very hard to define “national security” or “public interest” in imposing a news blackout. This explains why having a news blackout may not necessarily be for the good of the people. During the time of Martial Law (1972-1986), for example, state repression was evident (e.g. in the form of human rights violations and enactment of anti-people laws) but the Marcos administration opted to prohibit the reportage of sensitive issues (i.e. those that put the government in a bad light). While it’s true that the government has the right to protect the country, media have an obligation to bring to the public’s attention important issues (even if these are against the government like human rights violations, corruption and abuse of power). It is so easy for some officials to invoke the public interest in imposing a news blackout. But there are times when the statements they give are just empty rhetoric. In reality, they are only thinking of their own interests.

What are the circumstances that could make a news blackout acceptable?

In general, the government should avoid having a news blackout. It should trust journalists enough that they would be responsible in their reportage (even if it’s true that there are some journalists who have shortcomings in the performance of their jobs). If the government is transparent and accountable to the people and does not withhold any information from them, it follows that those in power should not prevent media from reporting on issues that may be negative to them.

Is there justice in a situation where a news blackout is imposed?

There’s no justice in this case because it results in the deprivation of vital information. Actually, a journalist does not usually report ALL information he or she gets. There is still a need to verify all information before including them in his or her report. The journalist carefully selects the information that, in his or her own judgment call using the prescribed professional and ethical standards, should be made known to the public. He or she consequently decides not to include information deemed not important. It must be stressed that there are ethical standards in reporting so the government should not worry about irresponsibility of the media. Even if there are a few irresponsible and corrupt journalists, the government (or even the ordinary citizens) can condemn and expose them by, among others, not patronizing the media organizations they work for.

The main ingredient of buko pie is buko (coconut). For apple pie, it’s apple. Very obvious, right? So what do you make of this pie?

Unlike our previous sign, I find something funny not with the words but with the graphics.

No chuckles yet? Let’s take a closer look at the gent and lady. Yes, they can’t hold it any longer!

Let’s go back to words now. You won’t find this funny if your brain is not stuffed with English knowledge.

What about this one? Do you see the misspelling?

For our next sign, laughter is reserved only for the Grammar Nazi like me.

Allow me to end this installment of funny signs not with a bang but with a whimper. I still can’t understand why I encounter grammar mistakes like this every day.

More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

What motivated you to work for the Philippine Collegian in particular and the student movement in general?

I joined the Philippine Collegian (official student publication of the University of the Philippines Diliman) during my sophomore year in the late 1980s. At that time, I only wanted to develop my journalistic writing skills as I may be considered a “late bloomer” in campus journalism. I was not part, after all, of student publications in my elementary and high school days. In other words, I took writing seriously only in college!

It was only much later that I realized that journalism does not only require excellent writing skills but also a keen sense of awareness of what’s happening around us. It is through the latter that we could provide analytical depth to the articles we write.

As a result of a better appreciation of Philippine social reality, I also got involved in student activism. I actually joined the now defunct Kabataan para sa Demokrasya at Nasyonalismo (KADENA, loose translation: Youth for Nationalism and Democracy) whose mandate was to organize the out-of-school youth.

What were your good and bad experience of being part of the Philippine Collegian?

Through my involvement with the Philippine Collegian, I learned the importance of journalism in society. I appreciated the power of the media in the movement for social change. The demands of producing a weekly publication made me become more patient and diligent. I learned how to better deal with stress and other related problems that are considered part of being a journalist (particularly that of an editor, reporter and layout artist which were among my major tasks).

I cannot classify the problems I encountered as “bad experience” because I learned from them. It would be safe to assume that my college life became more memorable because of my work as a campus journalist.

What are the important lessons you learned from your experience in the Philippine Collegian?

I learned that journalism is more than just writing skills even if the latter are very important in communicating the intended message. Equally important to form (e.g., grammar, syntax, diction) is the substance of the article that can only be produced if a journalist knows how to analyze, if he or she knows how to make sense of the social reality.

As a campus journalist in your student days, what do you think are the duties of a campus publication?

A campus publication is essentially a student publication. This means that it is oriented toward promoting and upholding student rights and welfare. That it has a pro-student orientation doesn’t mean that a campus publication will turn a blind eye to the excesses or mistakes (if any) of students and student organizations. Through constructive criticism, a campus publication may actually end up exposing what it believes to be shortcomings of certain student groups and ideologies. Through in-depth analysis of issues and concerns, campus publications could help raise the level of discourse and contribute to the shaping of public opinion.

Had there been changes in the orientation of campus publications through the years?

I would like to think that today’s campus publications still have a pro-student orientation although there could be different interpretations of it. From my interaction with some of them, there are faculty advisers and student editors, for example, who think that campus publications should distinguish between national and local/community issues and that they should focus on the latter. I always stress that this is wrong because issues to be covered in a campus publication depend on the significance in the lives of the primary audience, the students.

Besides, what makes campus publications different from the mainstream/corporate print media is that they could better analyze national issues in the context of local concerns. Conversely, the so-called local concerns should be discussed in terms of how they relate to pressing national issues.

What factors caused such changes?

I think the culture of reading is not as strong as before among today’s youth. The latter are now more immersed in television and the new media. That Generation X is sometimes referred to as the TV generation shows the popularity and wide influence of audio-visual stimuli coming from the broadcast media. While today’s youth are more technology-savvy and media-savvy, it is unfortunate that they sometimes do not have the patience and diligence to read and understand important media texts.

In the face of suppression of press freedom, how did you cope with the times and continued your duties as a journalist?

Despite the threats I experienced in the past (the latest of which was when a radio program I co-hosted got cancelled in 2006 due to the government’s imposition of a state of national emergency), I try to continue my work as a journalist because the Filipino people deserve nothing less. I have no illusion that I will be read by everyone. But I cannot turn my back on those who are interested to know more about the issues and concerns I have chosen to analyze. They may agree or disagree with me, but what’s important is that I communicate my intended message. As a result of my being a campus journalist in college, I now have a firm grasp of my responsibility as a journalist.

What is your message to young writers so that they could develop and help uphold press freedom?

All of us should be aware of what’s happening in society so that we could better analyze burning social issues and put everything in proper context. As mentioned, the intended audience deserves nothing less but quality coverage. That’s the only way journalists can help in the shaping of public opinion.

Want to know more? Please read “Campus journalists as `torch bearers’ (August 12, 2010),” “My views on campus journalism and the Philippine Collegian (April 20, 2007)” and “My experience as a campus journalist (October 10, 2007).”

This sign reminds me of an old Filipino joke “Huwag maingay. May naglalaba (Be quiet. Someone’s doing the laundry).” Indeed, one doesn’t follow the other.

There’s nothing wrong with the sign beside it, but don’t you think this is better placed in Congress?

The loose English translation of this sign is “garbage not allowed here.” Why Congress, you ask? Garbage could mean anything (and anybody)!

If the term’s meaning could mean something else, does the same case apply to the word “bottomless”?

In English, the sign reads: “Let’s make our happiness bottomless.” This is an advertisement for a popular iced tea in the Philippines. In Filipino English, the word “bottomless” is synonymous with “unlimited.” A bottomless drink offered in a Filipino restaurant, therefore, means that you can get a refill as many times as your bladder allows. A Filipino may not find the sign above funny, but I’m sure non-Filipinos will find it a bit off, if not amusing. Well, who can blame them?

I’m not sure if many Filipinos know the shortened terms for manicure and pedicure. If they don’t, then this sign could be somewhat funny.

If you’re familiar with the Filipino language, you would know that the word “mani” means peanuts in English. A colloquial, adult-oriented meaning of “mani” is female genitalia. So if you’re green-minded (not of the environmental kind), you would think of something else after reading a sign that sells a service called “mani.”

As regards our next sign, notice that there are three photographed items above.

What does the sign say? Let’s take a closer look.

The loose English translation of this is “Appliance? It’s simple.” This is an advertisement for a bank loan. If you want to be consistent, the word “appliances” should have been used. This is just my opinion, of course, as the sign-maker could argue that he or she refers to an appliance loan.

But whichever way you look at our next sign, this is absolutely wrong and it’s not just a matter of opinion.

As I noted in a previous post, the correct term is “every day.”

For our last sign, the mistake is not easily noticeable. On the surface, one may even credit the sign-maker for being creative.

As you know, a buffet is a system of providing meals where the guests serve themselves. Buffet could also refer to a piece of furniture that has shelves and drawers, normally located at a dining room. The use of the word “buffet” in the context of fashion may be creative, but is there something new to what is being advertised? Isn’t it a given that you have to try on the clothes you want to buy to make sure that they properly fit? What’s the use of advertising “fit all you can” when in fact you’re supposed to be doing it?

More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

Since its enactment in 1989, the SSL’s salary schedule has been revised through the years. It consequently provides salary increases to government employees. Past and present wage hikes, however, were perceived to be “anti-poor” as they were mainly percentage increases which have failed to correct the wide salary gap since 1989.

On the issue of wage increase, it appears that President Benigno S. Aquino III got his ahead other government employees. If media reports were to be believed, his first paycheck amounted to PhP95,000 (US$2,112.52) for the month of July (his first month of office). This means that he is already covered by Executive Order (EO) No. 900 which implements “the second tranche of the modified salary schedule for civlian personnel and the base pay schedule for military and uniformed personnel in the government.”

It is not surprising for organized public school teachers therefore to make an issue out of the President’s monthly salary. Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Secretary-General France Castro said, “Just the other day, President Noy was very proud about his first paycheck. We noticed that the amount was already adjusted. When we received our monthly salary last July 24, 2010, the amount was still the same. It did not yet reflect the second tranche of increase. Isn’t this unfair?”

At UP, the same case applies as faculty members are yet to receive the salary adjustment as contained in National Budget Circular No. 524 of the Department of Budget and Management dated June 23, 2010. I should know. Just like other faculty members, I got my payslip for August early this month.

Had Aquino received only the first tranche of the modified salary schedule as contained in Executive Order No. 811, his gross monthly income would have been PhP82,400 (US$1,832.33), or PhP12,600 ($280.19) less.

But more than Aquino getting his salary increase ahead of other government employees, the fact remains that the expected adjustment in salaries of government employees is still uneven. Drivers and street sweepers (who belong to Salary Grade 1-1) will have their monthly salary adjusted from PhP6,862 (US$152.59) to PhP7,575 (US$168.45). A public school teacher may be a bit better off as they belong to a higher salary grade (SG 11-1), but their increase is minuscule as their monthly income will be adjusted from PhP14,198 (US$315.72) to PhP15,649 (US$347.99).

If the Aquino administration were serious about making government salaries more equitable, it should review the current salary schedule and ensure that those who have less will have more. Percentage increases, after all, only benefit those who have already higher incomes.

The powers-that-be should therefore support various bills pending in Congress that seek to provide legislated wage hikes for workers in both the private and public sectors. If the new administration wants to be pro-poor, it should start with adjusting salaries to levels that could provide for more decent living for majority of Filipinos.

The answer turns out to be simple: The Philippines really has a lot of them! While at a popular mall in Marikina, two things came to mind when I saw this sign.

First, “text lingo” is now beyond SMS and MMS; it can now be seen in the so-called old media, in this case the printed sign.

What’s the second thing? Filipinos can be very creative in marketing their business. Who would have thought that the name of a money changer could be named after a plant that remains green throughout the year? Of course, the word “evergreen” is obviously a creative reference to the almighty, ubiquitous US dollar which is also called the greenback.

So off I went to Evergreen. And then I noticed something wrong. Guess what?

Let’s take a closer look at the problematic phrasing.

Currencies, as we all know, are usually composed of bills and coins. If what Evergreen accepts are foreign currencies and old Philippine coins, then it has to be made clear. The same is true if it accepts all kinds of foreign currencies, including coins (e.g., dollar cents).

For our next funny sign, I have nothing but admiration for the owner of this laundry service. What do you call it again?

As regards the next one, I’m not sure if the owner was drunk when he or she thought of this brand name.

The sign below may lead you to quip: “Surely you can’t be serious!”

I hope the joke won’t be on the poor customer — He or she pawns a 14-karat ring and gets it back after two weeks, 13 karats less. But I’m sure that’s not the intended message of Karat One.

For our last sign, allow me to be a bit political. The country’s unpopular ex-President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, turns out to be very much with us. And it’s not just because she decided to run for Congress in the last election and eventually landed a seat in the House of Representatives. When you go inside a supermarket, you’ll see her initials in the rice section.

Yes, GMA rice can be relatively cheap compared to other brands, which is ironic since the former President’s wealth is reportedly unexplainable.

More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

One of the three heads, Herminio Coloma, said that the new communications group wants to establish “free-flowing communication” between the people and the government. Coloma said that his group would use the three Fs in public communication — feed in, feed forward and feedback.

With the help of a centralized website and social media like Facebook and Twitter, the Aquino administration hopes to get “all kinds of input and feedback.” Even if Coloma and the two other heads (Ricky Carandang and Manuel Quezon III) did not explicitly say it, they are apparently open to getting input and feedback both positive and negative. How can they, after all, get the people’s perception if they ignore the latter?

How the website is created could help in getting input and feedback from online users. Analyzing the source code of selected pages in the Official Gazette, one immediately notices the use of WordPress (WP) as a content management system (CMS). Its source code needs to be reviewed as there is no disclosure in the footer as regards the use of WP as CMS (which is usually the case for many WP-generated blogs and websites).

That the website uses WP simply means that articles could be designed and laid out like blog entries where it becomes convenient for an online user to leave a comment. This is apparently the case with some entries like President Benigno S. Aquino III’s state of the nation address (SONA) last July 26. However, there are pages where comments are not allowed, as in the case of an article titled “A Social Contract with the People” which outlines President Aquino’s campaign platform which he intends to implement.

It is too early to tell if this is a case of selective openness on the part of the administration. The website, after all, is still a work in progress as more content needs to be uploaded. One can only hope that the Aquino administration’s communications group would enable comments in all posts and pages.

While it is laudable for the Aquino administration to maximize social media in trying to get its message across, there seems to be no explanation from the communications group on the nature and orientation of the message it wants to convey. Yes, the powers-that-be always harp on truth and accountability in governance, but what is lacking in their policy pronouncements is how they would set up an effective public information system in the country.

As I noted in a previous post, public information has become synonymous with pro-government propaganda through the years: “Unfortunately, the public has come to accept the likes of the PIA [Philippine Inforamtion Agency] and NBN [National Broadcasting Network] to always toe the government line. They have been conditioned to think that this is the normal state-of-affairs and that the people will just have to live with it… As a result, it becomes unthinkable for a government-owned or controlled news media organization to become independent or hard-hitting. That a public information system could be independent but still subsidized is possible but the government prefers not to do this.”

If the Aquino administration really aspires for transparency in all government affairs, it should start by openly declaring that the new public information system is the exact opposite of what past administrations had. As the term “public information” suggests, the Aquino administration should not think twice about disseminating information that matters to the people, even if these do not put some government officials in a good light. Public information is not about giving good publicity to the powers-that-be. As I wrote before, it should be “free from any political color and could therefore come from any source,” including the opposition.

If the powers-that-be have a firm grasp of the definition and essence of public information, they would know that sugar-coating reality through one-sided reports is counter-productive to the shaping of public opinion.

It is obviously not too late for the Aquino administration therefore to answer this very basic question: What is your concept of a public information system? For the administration’s sake, however, it should be answered at the soonest possible time.

Obviously, we now have a new saying: Keep the door close, and the windows closer. If it’s any consolation, the person who wrote the sign is respectful as he or she used the word “please.”

If you find this mistake forgivable, you wouldn’t find anything wrong with our next sign, right?

On one hand, it’s good to know that priority service is being given to pregnant women…and only ONE senior citizen!

For this popular motorcycle sales and service center, there is clearly a missing “s” somewhere in the three words that begin with the same letter.

Let’s take a closer look to be sure.

You don’t need to be an expert mechanic to know that a motorcycle would sometimes need several spare parts. I should know. My wife and I own a Honda!

Anyway, enough of the missing characters. Let’s now analyze the case of a missing space. I just can’t help but “freeze” the TV screen when I saw this promotion of a popular series imported from the U.S.

Can’t see what’s wrong? Allow me to zoom in for you.

Yes, the correct term is “every day.” I already explained in a previous post the difference between “every day” and “everyday.”

Now, if what we saw on television is a curious case of a missing space, would you like to see the baffling case of a missing driveway?

What’s wrong with this sign? You may only know if we zoom out this time.

Clearly, a driveway is defined as a road leading to a house. Do you see any? The house is clearly along a road! How can a person prohibit parking on a driveway when there is clearly none? In this particular case, a simple “No parking” sign will do.

Do you think these mistakes are forgivable? Feel free to comment.

More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

What are the major challenges in doing online coverage of the elections?

Online journalism is said to have the “permanence of print and the immediacy of broadcast.” Convergence, however, is not just limited to relative permanence or immediacy. It also has to do with combining various kinds of media texts and hypertexts (i.e., words, hyperlinks, images, streaming audio and video).

Just like the coverage of other issues, election coverage through the new media requires the immediate uploading of media texts without compromising the highest professional and ethical standards of journalism.

At the same time, the online publication should maximize social media to promote its contents. The uploading of media texts, after all, does not guarantee the immediate sharing of information.

How is it different from the coverage of traditional media (i.e. print and broadcast media)?

Unlike in the so-called traditional media, online publications do not have deadlines in the strictest sense of the word. Articles and other forms of media texts (e.g., photographs, video files) are uploaded as soon as they are ready. It is therefore possible for an online publication to have various “banner headlines” in one day. In the same way, an article could be updated several times especially in the case of breaking stories where new developments happen, say, every hour.

In the new media, feedback from audiences is made more expedient. Despite the moderation of comments in many online publications, the feedback is still relatively faster in terms of its publication.

What ethical issues are usually encountered in election coverage?

Given the nature of the new media, the temptation to immediately upload unverified information remains. Those who don’t have a firm grasp of journalism ethics argue that this practice is acceptable since the initially wrong information could be corrected anyway. This is obviously wrong because online visitors would be led to think that the unverified information is true.

Notwithstanding the nature of the new media, the professional and ethical standards should remain the same, and should remain high. It is unthinkable and unacceptable for anybody to adjust (read: lower) the high standards of journalism to justify the immediate uploading of information, even if unverified.

The convenience of taking photographs or footage could also make an online journalist forget the need to strike a balance between the public’s right to know and an individual’s right to privacy, especially in the cases of rape victims and juvenile delinquents.

Though the two cases rarely crop up during elections, photographs and footage of election-related violence should be treated with utmost care to ensure that the dead are properly given respect and what is presetned to the public is in “good taste.” This is the reason some crime scenes are pixelized (or rendered in black and white) to ensure that the sensibilities of audiences are not affected, especially the children who are watching.

How are these issues connected to the nature of the medium?

Technology makes it easy for people to publish online. A content management system (CMS) like WordPress, for example, makes it easy for anybody to put up an online publication or a personal blog. Notwithstanding the high cost of gadgets, there are many user-friendly, high-resolution digital cameras that can take quality photographs and footage which could be shared online even without the use of an Internet-connected computer. One can even argue that a high-technology cellphone which has a built-in video camera is more than enough for a blogger or journalist to take pictures or footage.

Are there any landmark ethical issues that occurred during this year’s elections, particularly in online media?

It’s hard to define “landmark,” but a blogger-supporter of a presidential candidate was removed from a newly-established Asian news website after the latter got complaints due to his irresponsible articles. This blogger became notorious not only for ungrammatical writing but also for engaging in character assassination. Incidentally, his favorite target during the election campaign was the leading presidential candidate. He took a leave of absence for a while but he is now back blogging in his old, irresponsible style. I’m sorry if I refuse to identify him as I might end up giving him the popularity he doesn’t deserve.

Were they resolved? If yes, how? If no, what would be the best course of action?

His being removed from an Asian news website did not prevent him from setting up not just one but several blogs. He still engages in maligning his pet peeves, though I noticed that he has gone soft lately on President Noynoy Aquino. For me, the best course of action is to ignore him publicly and to use his blog entries as case studies in media ethics, particularly on how NOT to blog.

Why do you think they occur?

The answer is simple: There are a few bloggers who don’t know the responsibility that goes with sharing information in the public domain, which is what cyberspace is (whether we like it or not).

What should online media practitioners work on to overcome such ethical issues?

They should be more conscious of the consequences of their actions, particularly the harm they would do to audiences if they give wrong or unverified information. I think a good start is to read and understand A Bloggers’ Code of Ethics.

Not bad, right? The desired effect is there as the public is obviously made aware of the intentional misspelling.

But what happens if a popular mall in the Philippines boasts of what you can xperience when you xplore the area to check out an xhibit? Will you xpress your xcitement and xihilaration?

Maybe it’s just me, but people may get the impression that the first characters have been blown away by the typhoons past.

For our next sign, pay close attention to the honest mistake.

Even if you already know what’s wrong with this sign, let’s take a closer look just to be sure.

There’s a lesson to be learned here: Don’t assure safety if you can’t assume responsibility.

Before we end, let me ask you: For what do you use this straw?

The sign above is obviously correct. But if it is a straw for drinking, the product below is a straw for…

More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

What community presses have you been affiliated with? What positions did you occupy?

If we loosely define “community press” as media organizations that cater mainly to a defined area and therefore has a defined audience, my affiliation with the so-called community press started as early as college in the late 1980s: I was a reporter for the Philippine Collegian, official student publication of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, where I eventually became its news editor.

Contrary to the popular notion that my “Konteksto” (Context) column started with Pinoy Weekly, it actually started in 2004 with the defunct community-based tabloid Alam ng Cagayan Valley which is based in Tuguegarao City. This publication did not last long.

In 2006, I decided to revive “Konteksto” when I was offered to write more regularly for Pinoy Weekly, which is technically not community-based given its broader Filipino audience in the country and abroad.

What sets a community press apart from a local newspaper or other forms of media?

A local newspaper is part of the community press. Strictly speaking, the word “press” refers to the print media, particularly newspapers and magazines. Through the years, however, “press” has become synonymous with “media” and therefore includes not only print but also broadcast and new media. This would explain why a journalist’s identification card is now usually called “press ID.”

What is the structure of the editorial staff of a community press? Does it differ from the editorial staff of newspapers/magazines?

Just like other media organizations, the community press has a defined hierarchy of publishers, editors, writers, photographers, graphic designers and layout artists, among other positions. Low-budget media organizations in communities, however, normally have journalists who take on various tasks. It’s not surprising to encounter community-based print publications that have only one or two people who do all the work.

How are the issues released? Are there any routine tasks you need to perform every day for that particular newspaper?

From my experience at the Philippine Collegian, the weekly issues were always on time as the work had a defined system. Despite our heavy academic load and other extra-curricular activities, most of the editors and staff were very committed to see an issue through and normally went the “extra mile,” so to speak, to make sure that certain tasks were done. Brownouts, computer breakdowns and other technical problems sometimes happened but these were not used as convenient excuses not to finish the job.

What makes working for a community press different from working for a commercial newspaper/publication?

Those who work for the community press, provided the media organization is not commercial in character, do so out of serious commitment instead of mere employment. They use their journalistic skills and knowledge to inform their community, without expecting to be compensated for their services.

What are the usual  problems encountered in the production of the newspaper?

Financial constraints normally plague the community press and this is primarily the reason many community-based publications come and go.

Being a “community press,” what role does the community perform in the production process?

The community residents do not only serve as audience of a community-based media organization. They are actually mobilized to provide leads with regard to issues that must be covered. Skills training may also be conducted in communities so that residents would eventually become part of the community-based media organization.

Is there any advantage in particular that made you enjoy working for a community press?

Editing and writing for the community press gave me the opportunity to deeply analyze social reality. My interaction with different kinds of people deepened my social consciousness. For me, journalism becomes not a career that one must develop but a commitment that one must pursue.

Marikina City (where my wife and I live) was also hit hard by the typhoon even if Metro Manila was only under Signal Number 1. There were reports of trees, billboards and signs falling due to the strong wind.

Obviously, the wind was not strong enough to add another “s” to this sign.

The province of Quezon was also affected by the typhoon. I wonder if this sign is still standing. Notice what’s wrong with it?

Let’s talk a closer look.

Since this bank is apparently service-oriented, I would like to give this free editorial advice: Please use “microfinance-oriented” instead.

This next sign is a case of “inappropriate abbreviation,” if you get what I mean.

It’s better to just spell out “Pls” because there’s enough space for three more characters in the first line anyway.

For our next sign, we have a case of a “misused hyphen,” and this time you know what I mean.

By this time, you should know the case of a “missing space.”

What about awkward diction? Can you see the wrong word used in the sign below?

Strictly speaking, the word “finds” refers to “a discovery, esp. a valuable or gratifying one.” Not surprisingly, the word is normally used for items found during the digging of trenches or from field-walking, as in the case of an archeological discovery. In the context of fashion, I’m not sure if there’s something to be discovered as most of the fashion-related items are advertised.

When I took a light rail transit (LRT) train to go to a meeting in Makati last July 5, I saw this sign. Did the typhoon blow this away? I hope so.

There’s nothing grammatically wrong with it, but why did the LRT management post this very obvious sign? Spitting in a public place is obviously a sign of bad manners and Filipinos do not need to be reminded of that. If the LRT managers want, they could come up with a rule imposing fines on those caught spitting and remind passengers of that through a sign. But if they prefer to have signs like “No spitting,” they mind as well write the “apparently obvious” (what redundancy!) at LRT stations also:

• Trains don’t arrive on time. Be patient.
• Don’t use your credit card as a train ticket
• Use only Philippine currency
• Speak only in English or Filipino

I also saw this sign at an LRT station.

Loose translation? “Littering is prohibited. Put in the garbage can.” This is a case of awkward sentence construction in Filipino. To remove the awkwardness and provide some politeness, it should read: “Pakilagay sa basurahan ang inyong basura.” Its loose translation is “Please put in the garbage can your garbage.”

For our next sign, we obviously don’t need any translation. Then again, you may want to ask…

…what is the nature of our concern? By the way, is this sign addressed to all passengers or just the janitors?

For our last sign, I am happy to tell you that there are efforts by a few establishments to correct any misspelling.

Notice the deleted “d” at the end? I thank my sister-in-law Francia for this picture, even if she took it at the time when the sign has been corrected.

More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

How can one prove that the culture of impunity still exists in the Philippines? Consider this: Five killings of activists in seven days, the first one on the fifth day of the new administration.

Benigno Aquino III assumed the presidency armed with a promise that he will put a stop to the killings. Less than two weeks before he was sworn in as the 15th President of the Philippines, Edwin Lacierda (who eventually became Presidential Spokesperson) said, “(Aquino’s) family has been a victim of human rights violation so it’s natural for him to ensure that the rights of everyone, especially the members of the media.”

Aquino’s promise of a “serious pursuit of justice” was done in the wake of media killings last month which left a carnage of three dead in just five days. In a statement, 32 professors, 14 staff, the college student council and 14 college-based student organizations of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) made this analysis: “That three journalists were killed in one week is by itself sufficient evidence that the outgoing Macapagal-Arroyo administration has utterly failed to provide an atmosphere conducive to a free press. Even if there is no evidence to prove that any high-ranking government official actually pulled the trigger and consequently killed journalists Desidario Camangyan (June 14), Joselito Agustin (June 15) and Nestor Bedolido (June 19), the Macapagal-Arroyo administration remains accountable for the killings since 2001.” (Disclosure: The author is a signatory to the statement.)

As regards the recently slain activists, the culture of impunity is also apparent due to the brazen manner in which the murders were carried out.

According to a news report, “A lone gunman repeatedly shot (Fernando) Baldomero, (61), early morning of July 5 in front of his residence in the capital town of Kalibo in Aklan as he was about to take his 12-year-old son to school. The gunman fled on board a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.”

The same case applies to the second murder that happened last July 9, as a report states, “Pascual Guevarra, 78, head of the local Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (Arba) and Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid na Nagkakaisa 3100 (Almana 3100), died from bullet wounds in the chest.His grandson, Ronnel Viloria, 18, tried to help his grandfather but the gunman shot and wounded him, said Senior Insp. Almario Evaristo, the town police chief.”

Preliminary reports from reliable sources on the murder of the third activist show the same pattern: “On July 9, armed bonnet-wearing men killed Mark Francisco, (27), of ACT Teachers Partylist in Sitio Umawas, Brgy. Malabas, Palanas, Masbate.”

According to another news report, Francisco was not the only supporter of ACT Teachers Partylist who died on that day: “Edgar Fernandez, 44, another public school teacher from Barangay Central, Masbate City, Masbate, was shot dead by unidentified men on his way home…Fernandez and a co-teacher, both riding a motorcycle, were fired at by an unidentified man. Fernandez died immediately but his co-teacher survived with a bullet wound.”

And just last July 12, Josephine Estacio, 42, another member of ACT Teachers Partylist, was killed. According to a preliminary report, “(U)nidentified motorcycle-riding men shot dead…Estacio…shortly before the start of classes in Tenejero Elementary School. (She) died on the spot after she was shot at 6:45 a.m. in Tenejero village in Balanga City in Bataan.“

Baldomero was provincial chair of Bayan Muna (People First) Partylist in Aklan. Guevarra, on the other hand, was chair of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association and Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid na Nagkakaisa 3100 (Almana 3100) and worked closely with the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines). Francisco, Fernandez and Estacio, meanwhile, were affiliated with ACT Teachers Partylist which won a seat in Congress, just like Bayan Muna and AnakPawis (Toiling Masses), the latter being supported by the KMP.

As if the five murders were not enough, there was also news that a journalist was “wounded when two unidentified men shot him in Nabua, Camarines Sur” last July 9. The report continues: “Miguel Belen, 48, was shot by two unidentified gunmen in Barangay San Jose at around 8:45 p.m…The victim was on a motorcycle and was tailed by his attackers, who were also riding a motorcycle…Belen was returning home from work as a field reporter of the dwEB-FM radio station of Filipinas Broadcasting Network based in Nabua. The shooting took place in a secluded part of San Jose, just three kilometers from the town proper…Belen sustained gunshot wounds in the neck and torso and remained in critical condition at the Doña Josefa Hospital in nearby Iriga City.”

Belen’s case highlights the fact that media killings are indeed the highest form of censorship in the country. In the same vein, the killings of activists serve as a way to permanently silence dissent. For the journalists and activists left behind, the murders provide a chilling effect and give a stark reminder of what would happen if they continue to be critical of the powers-that-be.

It is ironic that the murders continue and that the mayhem persists. To quote from the UP CMC statement, there is indeed a need to be vigilant of the future as “the culture of impunity knows no administrations as the violence knows no bounds.”

Knowing when to use an adverb is harder.

Clearly, something is out of service temporarily.

For our next sign, there’s actually nothing wrong though the phrasing is somewhat awkward, even this is already widely accepted.

The word “times” refers to a more or less definite period of time now or previously present. If you want to use it in a sentence, you may refer to Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” If you want to be more precise in announcing what time your business opens and closes, just use the standard: “Business Hours”

As regards our next sign, please read the sign’s first three lines.

Now let’s focus on the problematic phrase.

“First and foremost” is redundant because both mean the same thing. If you want to use just one word to substitute for this redundant phrase, you could use “primarily” or “mainly.” Needless to say, “first and foremost” should be avoided, along with other redundant phrases like “cease and desist” and “part and parcel.”

But the focus of this “funny signs” installment is the use of prepositions. Now that you have a clue, would you know what’s wrong with our next sign?

Let’s take a closer look if you still can’t find the mistake.

The establishment being advertised is located on the ground floor, in the same way that a house is located on a particular street. The floor of a building has many establishments, so the preposition at cannot be used due to the lack of a more precise location.

By this time, you should know what’s wrong with the next sign, taken inside a popular mall in Quezon City.

For our next sign, there’s nothing wrong with the preposition. It’s the pronoun that’s problematic.

Again, let’s take a closer look at the sign.

Still can’t find the error? Let’s zoom in once more.

Since the word “gifts” is used, the pronoun should be “them,” not “it” as written. Yes, knowing the proper pronoun is as hard as determining the right preposition.

Anyway, grammar lessons are over. More funny signs next week. Thank you for reading!

What is the importance of media coverage in war-torn areas?

Aside from providing the necessary information to the public, media could serve as a deterrent to abuses that are wont to be committed by groups that are at war. Theoretically, non-combatants are assured of their safety and prisoners of war (POWs) are treated more humanely if the parties concerned are made aware of media’s presence.

What are the roles fulfilled by war journalists?

At a time of war, journalists should still practice accuracy, objectivity and fairness in their reportage. They should, at the same time, exercise extreme caution in going about their work. In particular, they should know when to pull out if ever the situation becomes too volatile or the group they are covering suddenly becomes extremely hostile to their presence. They should remember the age-old saying in journalism that “no story is worth dying for.”

Do you think media coverage in such areas should be restricted? Why?

Restrictions in media coverage are acceptable only if the authorities and journalists agree that media presence could jeopardize an operation and unnecessarily endanger the lives of combatants and non-combatants. Despite their duty to cover the war, journalists cannot allow themselves to be part of the news, as in the case of ending up, albeit unwittingly, as “human shields” or, most likely willingly, as “negotiators” during a standoff, for instance.

Do you think censorship conceals the truth? How come?

Censorship is unacceptable even if media organizations should maintain the highest professional and ethical standards. The truth should be reported, keeping in mind that journalists must remain critical of the official statements they get. They must always compare what they get from sources with what they observe on the ground.

Is it the public’s right to be able to view the reallity of the war through media? Why?

The public has the right to be informed, especially during a time of war. It is understandable for media organizations to sometimes fail in the delivery of news due to circumstances beyond their control. But they should try their best to get their message across, even if delayed.

How is society affected by the media coverage of war?

Media play a pivotal role in the public’s perception of the war, which is why they should be able to explain the context in a manner that is comprehensive and understandable. They cannot afford to give a “sports-like” coverage of the war where people become preoccupied with “who’s winning” and the “latest score” of casualties and injuries.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of media coverage in war-torn areas?

I cannot think of any disadvantages of media coverage in war-torn areas given media’s role in the shaping of public opinion. Media, in this context, should be allowed to fulfill their obligation to the people.

How can the release of graphic images in war be an eye-opener to society?

Images and footage of war provide evidence of what is being claimed and may also be used to expose the lies of so-called spin doctors who have their own agenda in projecting the war to suit certain interests.

What do journalists get from covering the news in times of conflict?

Journalists get the opportunity to fulfill their obligation in providing timely and relevant information. They put their lives on the line just to ensure that the people know what they need to know.

How can journalists become unbiased and professional toward the issue they are reporting?

Journalists need to have a firm grasp of the professional and ethical standards. They could get it through extensive training, meticulous reading and intensive practice.

To send a clear message that he is different from his predecessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo whose administration was tainted with numerous scandals and controversies, his media handlers this early decided to endear him to the public by promoting the moniker P.Noy. The latter is short for President Noynoy (Aquino’s nickname) and it could also be interpreted as a pun for “Pinoy” which is slang for male Filipino citizen (a female one is referred to as “Pinay”).

It remains to be seen whether the message of hope will be effectively conveyed to the people. At this point, one can only wish that Aquino’s message won’t be repetitive.

You’re not just stating the obvious if you end up repeating what you said. You might end up being defensive.

Then again, the message should be clear and clean. Aquino’s message could be just like a massage.

Taken somewhere in Malate, Manila (parts of which became notorious as a “red light” district in the past), the business owner saw the need to tell prospective clients that only a massage is given, nothing more (if you get what I mean).

Directness is indeed important, aside from good grammar. That the president of De La Salle University (DLSU), one of the top schools in the country, has been appointed secretary of the Department of Education gives some hope that, at the very least, the signs at the DepEnd would be more grammatical.

I took the picture below at La Salle Green Hills last June 10 when I gave a journalism seminar to selected teachers and administrative staff.

Except for the need to capitalize the letter O in “only,” I cannot find anything wrong with the sign which sends clearly the intended message during the strong typhoon which hit the Philippines in 2009.

Our other sign below, taken in a popular resort in Palawan, also sends a strong message even if it’s inverted.

Yes, people should learn how to read upside down.

Going back to Aquino’s message of hope, I think his anti-corruption campaign should be direct. People should not be made to read between the lines.

Analyze this sign I took at a university in Isabela where I conducted a summer workshop for its teachers last May 28.

What’s that again? Do you understand the call to action?

Fix the fixers? From what I know, you only fix equipment that are broken. It’s awkward to say that you want to fix a person. By the way, you should also know that another definition of fix is to “get even.” Is this what we want to do with fixers?

If you want to maintain the alliteration in the sign, the message should read: “Fight the fixers.”

Or if you want your message to somewhat rhyme, you might consider this: “Nix the fixers.” Then again, the word “nix” which means reject may be a bit hard to understand.

One could learn a thing or two about the directness of messages of traffic signs at the University of the Philippines (UP) where I currently teach. Of course, there are some weaknesses.

As regards the sign above, the phrase “construction work” would suffice so we could drop the “s” already. My preference, however, is to change the phrase to “ongoing construction.”

Of course, the message could be more effective if a specific timeframe were included. Up to when is the particular gate closed? The only thing the sign says is that the gate has been closed since June 10.

But even if specific times are indicated in the sign, one should not confuse motorists because of the wrong font size.

It would be better to make the font for “OPEN” smaller so that it doesn’t compete with the “NO ENTRY” warning. Besides, the times below has a smaller font and it’s not as if a motorist can read them from afar.

When I was in Indonesia, I noticed this sign at the departure area of the airport. Do you notice what’s wrong with this?

There’s nothing ungrammatical here, but the second sentence is unnecessary because it’s already stating the obvious. The green-minded would even think of other things that a passenger should “use” before boarding the plane.

In my last travel to Vietnam in 2008, I noticed this sign inside the store.

I wonder why the letter A is capitalized while the letter P is not. To the credit of the sign-maker, at least the word “stock” is used as a collective noun.

I don’t think the Vietnamese manufacturer should be blamed for the brand of cigarette it sells.

For those who don’t understand the Filipino language, “bastos” means indecent or uncouth. I therefore doubt if President Aquino would smoke this kind of cigarette.

Going back to the moniker P.Noy, the name really makes a difference promoting a good image. In this respect, the Aquino administration is on the right track.

I can’t say the same though for a community group that meant well in the past to organize a dance club. What’s the name of the group?

Yes, you’re cursed if you have a name that means “idiot.”

I guess that’s one of the many challenges of the Aquino administration: How do you avoid people from calling the President names like Abnoynoy (i.e., Abnoy is Filipino slang for abnormal). Of course, the practical answer there is to do well and fulfill the promise of meaningful change in the next six years.

That’s all for now. More funny signs next week!

Despite past recommendations from some legislators that the Macapagal-Arroyo administration refrain from giving “unsolicited advice” to the incoming Aquino administration, outgoing Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Anabelle Abaya gave another one.

She said that the peace talks with rebel groups would progress better if women were included in the negotiations. “I hope that in all panels—the MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] or the CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army]—[the government] will at least have two women, not one but two women, because women change the dynamics of negotiation,” Abaya said.

On the surface, there seems to be nothing wrong with the suggestion. One may even argue that it’s gender-sensitive because of “women representation” in the peace talks.

But the sexism becomes apparent as one hears Abaya’s explanation: “When people are talking about rationale, you cannot forget the emotional aspect… Although people do not want to put that on the table, the reality is people think because of what they feel. So it is the women who are more comfortable with this aspect of negotiation.”

The statement may not be directly offensive to women, but it does a disservice to gender equality because subjective actuations become gender-defined. What is the basis for arguing that a particular gender is better at controlling emotions?

If women were to be included in the peace talks, it should be based on their capacity to negotiate. Panel members should also be persuasive in a manner that is not offensive. Much as there are women who are good at controlling emotions as Abaya said, there are also men who could be equal to the task. In other words, membership in the peace negotiations cannot be based primarily on gender.

When incoming President Benigno Aquino III announced that Teresita “Ging” Deles would be his peace adviser, it was apparently based not on her being a woman. Her credentials are publicly known: She held that position under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration although she resigned in 2005.

Abaya’s sexist recommendation is no different from outgoing Press Secretary Rogelio Peyuan’s recommendation in May that incoming President Benigno Aquino III choose cabinet officials who are cute, always smiling and fragrant. “Ang mungkahi natin ay mamili ng medyo cute na mga makakasama sa kapaligiran. Nakangiti, medyo maayos ang amoy at hindi pa amoy lupa at malapit na magpaalam (loose translation: Our suggestion is that he choose the slightly cute ones to be around him. They should also be smiling, and smell quite nice and not smell as if they already have one foot in the grave,” he said.

Peyuan added that the fate of the nation depends on the President’s mood every morning. “Ito ay magiging depende hindi sa paggising ng Pangulo kundi depende sa kanyang matatanaw pag dilat ng mata at depende din sa amoy ng hininga ng makakausap niya (loose translation: It depends not on his waking up but on what he sees when he wakes up in the morning and it also depends on the smell of the breath of whoever he talks to).”

Abaya’s recommendation is obviously no different from Peyuan although the former is only sexist while the latter is so replete with logical fallacies one does not know where to start.

With such kind of mindset among officials, no wonder there are many Filipinos looking forward to the inauguration of the new President on June 30. This means that after nine years, the Macapagal-Arroyo administration comes to an end, and along with it comes an end to the stupidity of polity characterized by the mediocrity of policy.

I know it’s not your usual “funny sign” but the joke is there, right? It took me a while to get it though. By the way, Al Gore wasn’t in Manila for a concert. Right now, he’s not just a former White House official but also a global environmentalist.

A photo developing center somewhere in Malate, Manila has something in common with Al Gore because it is not just…

Is it just me, or is the owner guilty of stealth advertising? Anyway, Adobe should be thankful for the (free?) advertisement.

Talking about the marketing of goods, it would help owners to refrain from using “new arrival” or “new arrivals” when promoting their new products.

Why? Arrival is defined as “the act of arriving” or “the accomplishment of an objective.” That is why you have an “arrival area” at airports for arriving passengers. Going back to our funny sign, the sign should read: “New items” or “New products” if you want to be more direct.

In order to know the minor mistake in our next sign, you should be eagle-eyed.

Yes, we want to be born free in a society that is, among others, nuclear-free and smoke-free. Or, in the case of the Philippines, Gloria-free! As you may already know from your English grammar lessons, the adjectival use of compound words usually requires the use of a hyphen.

For our next sign, there’s actually nothing grammatically wrong with it. It just sends a confusing message.

Again, if you want to be more direct, just use this phrasing: “We use purified water.” As it is, the sign above gives the impression that whoever serves the drinks always brings with him or her purified water. Remember the cardinal rule in restaurant management: Always serve with pleasure, not with water.

Unlike the previous one, our next sign is very direct in its message. The buffet is only for paying customers who do not share their food. What happens if you do?

What? You will be charged double, and in addition to that there will be left-overs thrown at you? Oh, wait. The sign should read: “We charge double if your plate has left-overs.” An alternative sign could be: “No left-overs please or you will pay double.”

You know that just like other countries in Asia, the Philippines is a rice-eating country. That would explain why we have so many kinds of rice to choose from. It’s ironic, however, that the Philippines has become a rice-importing country. Is it safe to assume that this rice comes from Japan?

Whether or not it comes from Japan, it cannot be denied that a popular fastfood chain that serves Japanese food has this sign to promote the unlimited supply of rice for customers’ chosen meals.

This is clearly an example of pun, without making “pun” of Filipinos. In case you’re not familiar with the Filipino language, “kanin” means cooked rice. The use of the hyphen is obviously aimed to highlight the pun.

As regards our next sign, the one responsible for it should try to review the proper use of prepositions.

What’s that again? The food you bought outside cannot be brought in into the restaurant? Why not just have a sign that reads: “Food and drinks bought outside the restaurant not allowed.”

Our next sign delivers a clear message, even if it ends up using a non-existent word.

Is there such a thing as left-by? Is it related to right-of? Or maybe its parents are top-in and bottom-out? This word reminds me of another word in Filipino English: BOTTOMLESS!

At this point, allow me to put to a close our installment of “funny signs.” Sorry, we’re closed.

Yes, I mean it. We’re already closed.

If you’re Al Gore, I know you but you definitely don’t know me. In other words, we’re not close!

Goodbye and come back for more funny signs next week.

While they should know the facts surrounding the murder of three journalists on June 14, 15 and 19, they should also make sense of the statistics regarding media killings from 1986 to the present.

For those who are not familiar with Philippine history, the year 1986 is used as a reference point because the restoration of democracy happened in February of that year when the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted through a people’s uprising (popularly known as EDSA 1 as the mass action happened along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue).

In a June 20 statement, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said, “The murder of Nestor Bedolido of the weekly Kastigador in Digos City, Davao del Sur, on Saturday night brings to 140 the number of journalists and media workers killed since 1986, 103 of them under the Arroyo administration alone.”

This simply means that in the past 24 years, one journalist was killed every two months. But if we were to analyze the media killings from the start of the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001, it would appear that, on the average, one journalist was murdered monthly.

To paraphrase an old saying, however, numbers tend to numb. In this case, one is led to think that three journalists killed in less than a week is irrelevant or a non-issue especially when comparing the sheer number of journalists killed in the November 23 massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The massacre, after all, resulted in the death of 57 people, including 32 journalists. Judging by the numbers alone, recent media killings are wont to pale in comparison to this single act of violence.

The statistics therefore provide only a dimension of analyzing the issue of media killings. Equally important is knowing the manner in which the murder was carried out. Based on various news reports, it appears that Desidario Camangyan was shot dead last June 14 by an assassin as he emceed a singing contest. Joselito Agustin was shot at least four times last June 15 while on his way home. Bedolido, meanwhile, was buying a cigarette when he was shot last June 19. As regards Bedolido’s murder, a police officer was quoted as saying that the assassin just “casually walked into a waiting motorcycle driven by another unidentified man.”

The impunity becomes apparent as all of these murders happened in full view of witnesses. Those behind the murders apparently wield so much power and influence that they could get away with such heinous crimes. It is in this context that the term “culture of impunity” is used to describe the Philippine socio-political situation that allows such crimes to happen.

It must also be stressed that media killings should also be analyzed in relation to the human rights situation in the Philippines. The rise in media killings is reflective of the high incidence of human rights violations. Data from the human rights group Karapatan show that from 2001 to 2010, the number of extra-judicial killings reached 1,190; and  the number of enforced disappearances, 205.

This means that for a period of nine years under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration, an average of 132 activists were killed every year. Those who disappeared, on the other hand, reached about 23 annually.

It is interesting to note that an activist was also murdered on the same day (June 14) that Camangyan was killed. In a June 16 statement, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan, or New Patriotic Alliance) stressed, “Last June 14, a member of Bayan Muna and Karapatan, Benjamin Bayless, was shot dead in Barangay Suay, Himamaylan City, in Negros Occidental. Last May 19, Jim Galez, a member of the regional secretariat of partylist group Bayan Muna was shot while was driving his motorcycle on the road to Barangay Little Panay in Panabo City in Davao.”

One cannot therefore assume that media killings are isolated incidences because they happen in the larger context of wanton human rights violations. That the Macapagal-Arroyo administration is being held responsible for the killings should be seen in the context of its failure to bring to justice those who are responsible for the crimes.

As the nation commemorates the seventh month of the Ampatuan massacre on June 23, it comes as no surprise that media and human rights groups will once again take the issue to the streets to remind the public of the impunity that needs to end, as well as to remind the powers-that-be of the blood they have in their hands.