Not all heroes wear capes. Journalists need no costumes and armors, but only their voice as a weapon. As we celebrate national women's month, it is only right to recognize our fearless female storytellers and their extraordinary roles in our society.
In the age of disinformation, who else would we rely on for curated facts other than journalists? With these notable women dominating the media field, let us look at their ballsy moments in their careers.
Maria Ressa
She is known as the CEO of Rappler and the first Filipino Nobel Peace Prize awardee. Since then, Maria Ressa has been the pinnacle of our fight for press freedom. She daringly calls out the present regime and exposes its human rights violations despite the dangers she might face.
In 2020, Ressa was charged with cyber-libel, wherein many questioned her arrest as an attempt to silence the media. Nonetheless, threats are not new to her as she spent most of her journalism career covering war zones.
In fact, she has always been vocal in her criticisms against President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs and extrajudicial killings. Showing how her stances remained firm, her conviction did not stop her from fulfilling her duties and responsibilities.
The credibility of her company was also compromised when Duterte branded Rappler as a “fake news outlet,” banning its reporters from Palace events. Still, it was a consequence that Ressa willingly paid to combat disinformation and serve the public with factual information.
Going up against a figure in power for accountability, Ressa is an epitome of a woman who refuses to back down from a man’s intimidation.
Jessica Soho
Talk about challenges; this multi-awarded journalist has had enough of that. Starting from beats on military defense, calamities, coup attempts, and high-profile hostage coverage, Jessica Soho has shown how far she could go on for miles for a worthy scoop.
On GMA network’s The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews, she was accused of being biased by the camp of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos Jr., who refused to attend the said event she hosted.
Soho was labeled “Anti-Marcos” when she dropped her tough questions about his family, making him speechless. Despite being called names, she has proven herself in the industry as the most trusted media personality in the Philippines through her objective reporting.
With the famous tagline of GMA News and Public Affairs, “Walang kinikilingan; walang inuurungan. Serbisyong totoo lamang,” Soho lives by it and takes the mantra to heart.
Karen Davila
A journalist-vlogger who tells us both inspiring stories and harsh realities. The TV Patrol news anchor has entered the world of content creation with her Youtube channel, featuring other people’s lives filled with joy and entertainment. However, with her soft side exposed is the opposite of her fierce reporter mode.
Davila is known for her roasting sessions of electoral candidates like celebrity Alma Moreno and Senator Manny Pacquiao. All worsens; her interrogation manner is villainized by many as rude and offensive.
In an interview with Pacquiao, she went after his opinion on requiring senators and presidents a college degree. The politician expressed his support, pushing Davila to fearlessly question his qualifications in return.
Her conversation with Alma Moreno was similar to when she challenged the senatorial candidate to further state her stances in the Reproductive Health Law. The unique ability of Davila to put everyone in a hot seat makes her an outstanding reporter.
Despite all the backlashes she has been receiving, Davila is firm to reveal the true character of those who seek government seats. Quoting from her own words, “Let’s challenge our candidates to be their best.”
Pinky Webb
While remaining composed, her interviewee lost his cool. One of Webb’s interviews that gained popularity was her conversation with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
The CNN newscaster politely asked Roque if he would be denouncing the termination of the agreement that prohibits the entry of military and police inside the University of the Philippines, to which he could not respond.
As an alumnus of the said university, the former presidential spokesperson deemed the question unfair on his honor and excellence, which led to his sudden outburst. Although he constantly interrupted her, Webb answered him with a powerful hair flip—signifying how she refused to be silenced and showed true professionalism.
Webb, together with Pia Hontiveros, hosted the recently concluded CNN Philippines Presidential and Vice-presidential debates. Aside from the candidates’ discourse, her shady remark about the importance of attending debate programs was also a highlight for the netizens on Twitter.
Karmina Constantino
“This journalist you’re talking to has never been or will never be paid by anyone,” who would forget this iconic line from that woman in the ANC interview?
During her online interview, presidential aspirant Dr. Jose Montemayor alleged that ABS-CBN was bribed to cover up information.
As a woman of integrity, she boldly countered those accusations by confronting Montemayor and slamming him with a question, “What kind of a leader will you be if you believe in fake news?”
Just after her name had become the talk of the town, Constantino had another intense interview with Congressman Boying Remulla of Cavite. As she tried to address his red-tagging issue against a candidate’s supporters, her nerve-wracking probing for proof earned respect from the public.
Not afraid to call out people on their groundless claims, Karmina Constantino is someone who challenges a person’s version of the truth.
As journalists are duty-bound to serve the public, speaking up for the truth should just be a bare minimum. But the fact that our system is deeply rooted in patriarchy and abuse of power, it’s high time for us not to let a man silence a woman who has so much to tell.
If bravery knows no gender, then courage has no bounds. Happy National Women’s Month, ladies!
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