“In a democracy, you need to have a strong judicial system. You need freedom of speech, you need art, and you need a free press.” –Tzipi Livni

No journalist in their right mind would be happy to hear a colleague has been convicted on libel charges “with finality” by the Supreme Court.
While the enemies of Manuel ‘Boy’ Mejorada rejoice over reports announcing “the Supreme Court affirmed with finality his conviction and imprisonment for libel,” his media colleagues are sad. From the point of view of a crusading community journalist, I consider Mejorada’s loss as a defeat for freedom of the press and expression. Regardless of who was involved in the case, imprisoning a journalist in a democratic state is wrong.
His participation in the litigation, where he was given the opportunity to clear his name, did not warrant punishment behind bars, especially since the Philippines is supposed to uphold the basic human rights of freedom of the press and expression.
Mejorada has offended a lot of people—mostly politicians, police officers, and bad elements of society—with his columns, blogs, social media posts, YouTube channel, and other outlets. He also befriended a lot of political, business, and military heavyweights, including some national figures. He has also managed to maintain a good relationship with some media colleagues despite bitter squabbles with former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and former Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr., both of whom are darlings of the press.
While many of those he offended hate him, many also understood his role in society.
Whatever the genesis of Mejorada’s troubles was with those who sued him for libel, one must remember that his mission (the mission of all journalists) was to keep the public informed and aware of what is happening. Despite mounting challenges daily, journalists must continue to keep the public informed. They must always antagonize and not kowtow to any administration.
Freedom of the press and expression must be upheld and supported by all journalists. An independent press is one of the essential pillars for any democracy.

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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ