All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
— Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher
Above anything else, yours truly expresses deepest sentiments to the family of GMA Network’s Jimmy Gil, who passed away on the morning of June 11, a day before Independence Day.
Jimmy, or Ka Igme, is a good friend. Together with the late Noel Perfecto of PTV, who also passed away some 10 years ago, the duo were often seen together in media coverages and thus earned the moniker “Batman and Robin.” I later joined them in several conferences, and I considered us three as “The Three Musketeers.”
Anyway, to highlight my friendship with Ka Igme, here’s a short tribute I composed a day after he bade us adieu:
Farewell, Ka Igme
J-ust his wit and wisdom
I-nfects the world around
M-ost of us in media-dom
M-ay recall this astound
Y-et they bring broad smiles
G-ives us a real reason
I-n loving our profession
L-egend has passed all the guiles.
THAT done, let’s move on to our topic for today about truths, algorithms, and viral trends.
With the rapid acceptance of social media as a means of communication and connecting to the world, it appears that many of us are focusing more and more on gaining support and viewership in order to register a high algorithm or make ourselves and our activities go viral in cyberdom.
This, however, may be true, but we must not forget that truth remains the foundation of several aspects of life. Here, though, I am focusing on truth in political campaigns, now so significant as we head toward the 2028 elections.
This was cited at the recent Campaign Playbook Live hosted by Vantage Influence, where media practitioners stressed that while social media may dominate the political landscape, the core mission of journalism remains unchanged—verifying facts, providing context, and delivering the truth.
It was noted that traditional media often moves slower than social media because there is a rigorous process of verifying information before publication. However, the rise of digital platforms has forced most news organizations to adapt without sacrificing standards.
So things have changed with regard to speed. Almost all reports have become breaking news. News gathering still has to be done with fact-checking and a bit of synthesis, then wrapped up nice and neat—but delivered more quickly.
A warning, though: as journalists, we must continue performing this role if the public is to avoid falling victim to disinformation.
Lastly, no one can say that we journalists are no longer needed. We are here, basically, to put the trust of the people in what’s going on.
FOR your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256 during office hours from Monday to Friday.
Thank you and mabuhay!
Dani
