| PGMA’s Remarks at the Induction of the Philippine Press Club Officers |
(19 June 2004) |
Secretary Milton Alingod and his colleagues working with me in Malacaņang Press Office, to all of you, congratulations to our inductees. Welcome to everybody else, and thank you for the good work of those who are with me here in Malacaņang. I am grateful that you have joined me here in Malacaņang at a time when we all need each other’s help and support to pull our country out of the political quagmire that we find ourselves in today. The Press is a champion of democracy, and this is a high moment for that role. Our people look to your leadership to spearhead the truth and to appeal to all our leaders and to all the people to uphold democracy and our Constitution. I am somewhat in a quandary because I have to keep my peace as candidate Gloria whose votes are being canvass in Congress, but I must raise my voice as President of the republic. The presidency shall safeguard the people against anarchy, and I shall stand by my oath to protect and defend the Constitution with life and honor. The national interest is not a ball to be kept around in a football field. The national interest is a solemn ideal that each and every Filipino is forsworn to fight for and to preserve. You, in the press know much more than I about truth and democracy. We fought for this, in EDSA I, in EDSA II, in May 1, in Oakwood, through every single occasion that our nation has come under threat by the forces of tyranny, despotism and evil. You know the magnitude of the challenge is the painful price we have to pay in meeting it. Many of your colleagues have given life; many of you have even live for the cause of justice and freedom. We have stood together before, and we stand together today. I pray that you will wield the pen and the camera and the voice for what is lawful and right. To all of you, congratulations on your work, congratulations on your achievements. You have my enduring support for worthy journalism. Thank you for your partnership in serving the people. |