There is a notion that the Philippine press is one of the freest in Asia. On the other hand, it is common knowledge that the Philippine media is commercialized and mostly controlled by political and private companies (Hofilena, 1998). Perhaps it is the integration of these two impressions that can sum up the actual Philippine media situation. The rich and powerful stay on the good side of the press once they have learned the art of dealing with the press people. Otherwise, they are vulnerable to the so-called free press, open to the press people?s abuse and, consequently, to the risk of having a bad public image. Nevertheless, the offended parties have the option of fighting back legitimately because of the existence of libel laws. Moreover, journalists can also become sympathetic to certain humanitarian causes and to public figures whose integrity they respect and with whom they feel a philosophical affinity. Unfortunately, it remains to be a widespread belief that one of the most effective and quickest methods of influencing the press is the corruption of the media via direct and ind

Kieran,Matthew.Media Ethics.London,England:Routledge,1998.

The significance of media in the Philippines was most apparent during the Martial Law years. Aside from the many crony newspapers that propagated during that time, many underground, alternative or ?mosquito? papers took the responsibility of upholding journalists? integrity and fighting against the repressive regime. Because of the great suppression that the press suffered from the Martial Law era, a good number of newspapers were opened up immediately after the EDSA revolution, the signifying event that brought about the downfall of the Marcos regime. Newspapers such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star became centers of the limelight as they catered to the Filipino people?s ?sudden thirst for information?. All at once, newspapering had become a very profitable business. (Carvajal, 1991). However, many of these newspapers closed down as the success of some over the others became apparent.

Some topics in this essay:
Malou Mangahas, Philippine Star, Media Ethics1998, Joseph Estrada, Statement Philippine, According Hofilena, Philippine Press, Mohammadi Mohammadi, Philippines Herald, Jake Makasetss, philippine press, manila times, hofilena 1998, martial law, media ownership, marcos regime, philippine daily, absolute freedom press, joseph estrada, absolute freedom, newspaper chain, philippine daily inquirer, president joseph estrada, inquirer philippine star, sudden thirst information,