OpenTalk by Carlos Conde

In this episode of #OpenTalk, host Carlos Conde and his guests Jamela Alindogan (formerly of Al Jazeera) and Jes Aznar (photojournalist for The New York Times) talk about the horrors journalists face in Gaza and how, in their view, the tragedy is hardly reflected in the coverage by some colleagues in the Philippine media. Worse, they point out, some in the Philippine press participate in the whitewashing of the genocide that is unfolding in Palestine. They also note similarities in the way media coverage in Gaza and the Marawi conflict is controlled.

In the end, they point out, this is all about the integrity of the individual Filipino journalist and the professionalism in Philippine newsrooms to handle a story like Gaza, which may seem complex but not really because the facts and the reality – both on the ground in Gaza and in the livestreamed catastrophe – are too stark to ignore.

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The corruption surrounding these projects was facilitated by members of Congress who are themselves contractors. The public outcry against the corruption, Casiño hopes, should lead to something like the protests that have been roiling Indonesia. Otherwise, he added, this will all be quickly forgotten like previous scandals. HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Introduction: Teddy Casiño

03:36 Nothing new in DPWH corruption scandal

05:40 The same system of budget insertions, connivance with DPWH district engineers

06:33 Nothing new but the level of brazenness is something else

06:55 Party-list groups are used in the corruption

07:14 Remarkable for a president like Marcos to call the corrupt shameless

08:07 Part-list system was exploited because contractor-politicians can't penetrate the districts controlled by political dynasties

08:52 Did Makabayan bloc see this coming?

10:24 Can something be done to save the party-list system from itself?

11:40 Were you surprised Marcos exposed contractors?

12:59 Marcos was embarrassed by flooding last year, which he mentioned in State of the Nation Address

14:14 He needs to show he’s serious vs corruption

14:30 The failure to impeach Sara Duterte is a factor and he has to prove that he's still serious

15:20 Benefit of the doubt

15:55 ”But is he really after reforming pork barrel? I doubt it”

16:28 Moderate the greed of the 15 contractors to give way to other

17:15 Corruption scrutiny is aimed at Dutertes' weakness

18:00 Pinning down the Dutertes now because impeachment failed

18:11 Php 51 billion flood control projects to Pulong Duterte will be scrutinized

22:04 All this will tie-in with 2026 budget deliberations. Will it be more of the same?

23:19 Malacanang wants to get back power of the purse

24:30 Nepo babies: Result of the nature of socmed; "culture to flex" in this sense is good

27:30 The mass movement: People's outrage needs to be shown para masindak mga politiko

30:20 You have to bring people to the streets

31:00 The Indonesia protests and what Filipinos can learn from these

31:40 I'm hoping that something like Indonesia will happen

31:50 Govt, DPWH need to feel that people are angry

32:30 The social movement will have to get its act together

34:20 This is the moment to show how important social struggle and direct political action are

35:30 Problem is everything is painted as either pro-Duterte or pro-Marcos

36:41 Opposition in disarray

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The party-list system was instituted in the Philippines to provide legislative representation for marginalized groups. But a 2013 SC ruling that overturned that idea opened the floodgates for interest groups such as public-works contractors, who are now embroiled in a massive corruption scandal in the Philippines.

—Links to background stories on the party-list ruling:

SC shakes up party list in new verdict

Supreme Court rules party-list not only for marginalized | Inquirer News

–

Check out PCIJ’s report on the contractors, politicians and party-list groups now implicated in massive public works corruption:

Five Reveals from the Flood-Control Data - PCIJ.org

—Watch a clip on this from an OpenTalk episode:

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In this episode of #OpenTalk, Carlos Conde talks with Harry Roque, the former spokesman of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Roque, as expected, doubles down on his conviction that Duterte did no wrong. Conde counters by presenting him with facts about the brutality of the "drug war." #philippines #duterte #drugwar #HarryRoque Watch the full episode here:

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Caloy argues that “nepo babies,” by themselves and regardless of the backlash against their lavishly offensive (or offensively lavish) lifestyles as documented on social media, are not the main problem.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro on the rise of "nepotism babies" in the Philippines

01:00 "Nepo babies" are the butt of jokes -- and scorn -- on social media

02:00 But "nepo babies" are symptoms of a bigger problems

02:30 They are an extension of the problem of political dynasties

02:39 The Philippines has always been run by "nepo babies," from the time of Emilio Aguindao to this day

03:00 Majority of presidents since Aguinaldo spawned "nepo babies"

03:36 There are only 5 presidents who didn't produce "nepo babies"

03:55 Bongbong Marcos is the OG "nepo baby"

04:05 Davao City is dominated by "nepo babies"

04:43 We are a nation of "nepo babies"

04:40 Out of 24 senators, only 10 are NOT nepo babies; 8 of them are even siblings

05:39 In itself, "nepo babies" are not the problem; the problem is the corruption that funds their lifestyle

06:00 The Marcoses as poster children of nepotism

06:22 But there are "nepo babies" that are acceptable, like Kris Aquino and Noynoy Aquino

07:33 The problem is the corruption

08:00 The problem is the poverty in the face of their ostentatious displace of questionable wealth

09:00 The problem is the lack of compassion for Filipinos

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Carlos also points out why corruption thrived during the Duterte administration to this day, and why President Marcos needs to be really serious in fighting these anomalies by investigating and prosecuting the public works officials who connive with contractors. He says the whole “nepo babies” scandals involving the children of these contractors and politicians flaunting their wealth on social media – they’re just symptoms of a bigger problem. Plus, he says, Filipinos need to take action outside of Reddit and Facebook.CHAPTERSoo:oo Kumusta kayong mga binaha?00:33 Kawawa ang taong bayan01:04 Flooding in Manila underscores the problem01:25 Ang DPWH ay pugad ng mga kurakot 01:49 Namayagpag ang contractors sa DPWH sa panahon ni Duterte02:36 Walang kuwentang Manuel Bonoan; nabubuwisit ako kay Bonoan03:24 Dito nyo makikita kung gaano kabulok ang DPWH03:47 Ang tanong – nasaan ang oversight ng DPWHat gobyerno?04:06 Ang sagot – kasabwat sila o palpak sila04:28 Bakit in-expose ni BBM ang mga contractors?04:56 ‘Nepo babies’ are just symptoms of a bigger problem05:17 Kailangang imbestigahan ni Marcos ang DPWH, contractors05:52 Mas malalang problema ang “nepo daddies”06:33 Sa Indonesia nga nagpapatayan na ang mga tao laban sa korapsyon06:59 Kailangan nang kumilos ng taong bayan07:38 Nasaan ang totoong outrage?07:55 Style ba ni Duterte itong ginagawa ni Marcos?09:02 Ang hamon kay Bongbong Marcos

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In this re-released and shortened version of an episode first uploaded on Nov. 24, 204, Dr. Nuelle Duterte, a psychiatrist and niece of former President Rodrigo Duterte, discusses with Carlos Conde the Duterte family history and how their thirst for power, their hubris, and their ambition changed Philippine history.

CHAPTERS01:20 “2022 ELECTIONS WAS DISHEARTENING, MADE ME VERY SAD”03:08 “I SPEAK OUT OF GUILT, BECAUSE I LOOKED AWAY”05:00 "I WAS LOOKING AWAY ON PUROPSE"05:38 THE MOMENT NUELLE DECIDED TO CUT TIES06:36 "I NEED TO SAY SOMETHING"08:30 “I REALLY DON’T KNOW DUTERTE THAT WELL”09:52 “I GREW UP HEARING STORIES THAT SOUNDED UGLY”11:20 SARA IS JUST FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE SET BY HER FATHER”13:01 DRAWING THE LINE ABOUT SARA DUTERTE14:31 HUBRISTIC DUTERTES, SO USED TO IMPUNITY15:43 "WHY WOULD HE STOP? THERE'S NOTHING COMPELLING THEM TO STOP"17:35 WHEN DUTERTE LOSES PRIVILEGES, WEALTH, INFLUENCE…18:38 “DON’T EXPECT DUTERTE TO EXPRESS REMORSE”19:59 THE UNRAVELING OF MARCOS-DUTERTE ALLIANCE21:53 “FOR FILIPINOS, THIS IS JUST A SPECTACLE’

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The controversy that erupted after Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto implied in a Facebook post that journalists Julius Babao and Korina Sanchez were paid millions in order to interview the Discayas of Pasig City, who are major contractors, elicited strong reactions – and also a reckoning among journalists about media ethics. In Episode 5 of #OpenTalk, Carlos Conde discusses with journalism educator Alcuin Papa the need to give more focus on media ethics in journalism schools.

They explore the evolving landscape of journalism and media education in the Philippines. They discuss Alcuin's career journey from journalism to teaching, the importance of ethics in journalism, and the challenges faced by journalists today. The conversation highlights the need for a united media community to address ethical issues and the role of educators in shaping the next generation of journalists. They also celebrate the rich history of investigative journalism in the Philippines and emphasize the importance of courage and values in the profession.

CHAPTERS

10:35 Unasked questions and red flags: The Discaya interview fallout

14:28 Why are journalism and media schools silent (so far) about the controversy?

15:36 Even working journalists hesitate to talk about ethics issues

16:35 Journalists are so afraid that the finger will point back at them. There's a very heavy discomfort in newsrooms

19:09 Silence or refusal to confront controversy can be taken to mean acquiescence

20;30 Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao are not being good examples to young journalists

22:20 Media corporations themselves es are silent

23:16 Korina and Julius failed in their stewardship of journalism

24:17 Worrisome in the context of media also dealing with disinformation; media’s ethical lapses are being used to discredit media in general

24:46 Ethics should be high in the hierarchy of journalists values

25:10 Foundations of being a good journalist: 1) Fidelity to the truth 2) Skills 3) Ethics

28:00 Corruption and ethical lapses start with the little things

29:37 Gray areas: Stay away from them

31:40 Politicians will always find a way to ingratiate themselves to journalists

32:22 Draw clear lines between yourself and your sources

33:27 Overworked underpaid journalists

34:02 Poor pay is a form of control

35:58 How can you defend the truth if your next meal depends on someone in power?

37:00 journalism is a good profession but it demands a lot from the journalist

40:05 Philippine history is replete with examples of great journalism and outstanding journalists

42:03 Good journalism contributes to nation building

44:00 Journalism can be meaningful

45:06 Several Filipino journalists did outstanding work over the decades

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In Episode 3 of the #OpenTalk podcast, Carlos Conde tackles the brouhaha created by the revelation of media corruption by Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and its implications for journalists and the Philippine media industry. With Dean Diosa Labiste of the U.P. CMC, Ariel Sebellino of the Philippine Press Institute, and Jonathan de Santos of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

- How Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto’s revelations roiled the media community in the Philippines

- The erosion of media ethics since the 1990s and its impact on public trust

- Media ownership and how it influences reporting and ethical standards

- Solutions for elevating ethical standards (press councils, promoting independent outfits, tapping nonprofit journalism)

- Challenges and threats faced by community journalists in maintaining independence

- The delicate balance between commercial interests and journalistic integrity

#vicosoto #juliusbabao #korinasanchez #journalism #mediaethics #mediacorruption #discaya #philippines #corruption #alternativemedia #ethicsinjouranlism #NUJP #PPI #UPCMC

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This episode stemmed from the current brouhaha over public works corruption in the Philippines as revealed recently, particularly involving certain big-ticket contractors, the Department of Public Works and Highway, and members of the legislature.

KEY PODCAST POINTS

* The DPWH flood-control project and the Discaya controversies

* The many reasons why corruption is hard to vanquish in the Philippines

* Corruption as a way of life

* The dominance of political dynasties and why they're the key drivers of corruption

* Corruption normalized but also the public engages also with the practice for practical economic reasons

* Why the corruption accountability mechanisms, such as the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, have been failures

* Would President Marcos Jr., the son of the most corrupt president the Philippines has ever had, change things for the better?

* Why Marcos appointment of the next Ombudsman will be a key indicator of how serious he is in mitigating if not eradicating corruption

* The role of civil society and advocates for reform

* Corruption as a human rights issue and why corruption has a direct link to human rights violations such as the "drug war" killings

* How should the public contribute in the fight against corruption? It starts with small things.

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