Straight from the Heart
Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan
On the 2nd Induction of Officers and Fellowship Night
The Independent Press of Zamboanga Peninsula, Inc. on its second years of existence will stand to its principle credo: “Free, Fair, Fearless and Factual” an organization is truly defender of press freedom base in Zamboanga Peninsula composed of a professional’s veteran columnist and opinion writers. IPZPI through the years of an untainted service, we are discussing, commenting, reacting and praising to the relevant issues and concerns affecting the community both in local and national level anchor on the enunciated in the written Code of Ethics of a Journalist profession. It will always shares an idea with fearless and balance views for the interest of stakeholders in a professional ways.
Press freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of information is the sacred basic human rights, part of the fourth estate should be remain protected by the state in the disseminations of a valuable information on the basis of factual and credible sources, supported by facts and evidences in the practicing of our profession to write opinion, critics, comments and objectively discussing controversial issues it warrant to be exposed. So that the public may know and aware of the current events. This is how democracy at work in a free country is boldly expressing every source of information for public opinion. Free speech in a democratic society is really noisy in every market places condone to the lively discussions. There are always pros and cons in a free market of ideas.
It sad to note, some local officials branded us a dark horses, the purveyors’ of truth on baseless accusation or even called us an obstructionist for the City government of Zamboanga and the rest adjacent provinces, cities and municipalities. As a matter of facts, an old timer Columnists complaining to me, they are even ban to write articles to some selected print-media outfits of the city. This is actually the curtailment of press freedom and freedom of information. With this kind of pressure to the press people, would prelude to the Theme of IPZPI: “Fourth Estate: Antidote to power Abuse Corruption and Oppression.”
Our aims as duly members of IPZPI, respect an individual rights to privacy avoiding exposing or maligning personality on personal motives or attacking below the belt, we respect human values on the highest esteem if she/he remain trustworthy to the cause of good deeds, for fair treatment and just in serving to other fellow human being and constituents. But reminder to all, we are critical for those public officials who took the advantage for personal gain, the abuse of authority and misdeed activities using his/her term in office and the tour duties. Please be aware…
I would like to acknowledged from the Team of Pagbabago of their encouraging texting. Please always update me on the latest current events.
We welcome you all for our 2nd Induction of Officers and Fellowship Night…
For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761