The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) and the Duterte Government received criticism after the former shared on Sunday, January 2, the list of areas that had little media coverage during the Typhoon Odette onslaught.
The OPAV said that some parts of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Occidental, and Southern Leyte did not receive any media mileage whilst being severely affected by the super typhoon.
Though it intended to inform the public about places with little attention, journalists and netizens did not like that the Government was “blaming” the press for its supposed “inept” reporting.
Former Rappler CEO and Nobel Peace Prize awardee Maria Ressa could not believe that the government is blaming the press for its inability to provide sufficient information regarding the effects of Typhoon Odette.
Really? — Malacañang official links Odette aid delay to underreporting by media https://t.co/oy3t0ZzCG2
— Maria Ressa (@mariaressa) January 2, 2022
A journalist, referring to how the Duterte Government tried to silence journalists by instilling fear and attacking media outlets, said, “After the government cut our tongues, they would condemn us for the silence.”
After the government cut our tongues, they would condemn us for the silence. https://t.co/NmW3aJbEUK
— dios (@joshxmachina) January 3, 2022
Rappler journalist Lian Buan also felt that the Government is blaming the press for its minimal reporting. However, she stressed that the administration should do its mandate and not “point fingers.”
First they undermined media, then attacked media. Now we are being blamed? True, we could have done better, everybody could, but it's not for a lack of trying.
But this is the government's mandate. Stop looking for targets. Do your jobs. https://t.co/Uh50mipaeL
— Lian Buan (@lianbuan) January 3, 2022
Radio host Jimmy J pointed out that the Government, who blames the media, shut down ABS-CBN, the largest Network in the Philippines, that had 53 provincial television and radio stations and could have provided deeper news coverage on the affected areas.
https://twitter.com/heyjimmyj/status/1477830226830893061
Netizens also reiterated that ABS-CBN could have been crucial during calamities.
Some ridiculed the “excuses” of the OPAV and recalled the Congress’ hearing about the ABS-CBN franchise.
Excuses?? ABS CBN Franchise? https://t.co/Fy8IesSHoU
— metamorphosis (@mienmien08) January 3, 2022
Well, who shut down ABS-CBN? https://t.co/yVzRgfsj57
— Laurence Castillo (@benok_castillo) January 3, 2022
Back in 2020, the Government has held countless hearings on whether to close ABS-CBN or not. It tackled allegations, including tax evasions, ownerships, and loans but could not ascertain the claims. Nevertheless, the Network was still rejected to have its franchise license renewed.
Another even described the Duterte administration as “a*sholes.”
They shut down media like ABS and attack Rappler then blame them. Ang asshole ng gobyernong ito. https://t.co/wNvPvaDj0z
— maydiskarteba ⚘ (@mayplanoba) January 3, 2022
A netizen even created a meme where the government creates its own problems by shutting down ABS-CBN then blames it on the media.
So ayan na ha? Malacanang na nagsabi na kulang. Pero bakit kulang? https://t.co/wsqU7TwWHp pic.twitter.com/8ERm5odQzN
— seiruhhhhh (@lakwatsarah) January 3, 2022
A Twitter personality was enraged by the Government trying to put the blame on whoever and whatever. He said that the vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. blamed the typhoon for not hitting at least 54 million vaccination while the OPAV blamed the media for underreporting.
Wow na wow na talaga! Yung vaccine Czar sinise si Odette kaya bumagal ang campaign sa bakuna. Ang palasyo sinise naman ang media sa delay ng ayuda dahil daw sa underreporting!
O kundi ba naman kayo OGAG! Mga @$#@!Y$##@OgE@!!!!UI*6e9s kayo na ang walang kasalanan! https://t.co/f0VGLfwI2J
— #SyLicoNgaAko (@SyLicoNgaAko) January 2, 2022
The Kapamilya Network, which went off-air in May 2020, has the widest reach among other television networks in the country. Amid Typhoon Odette ravaging parts of the Philippines, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol Central Visayas, Bohol, and Bacolod could have provided real-time news and information regarding the heavily hit areas.
