Ressa VS. Tiglao: The "Spy VS. Spy" Of Philippine Journalism?

POLITIKO

I used to read Rappler and the Manila Times. You may notice many of my articles here quote Rigoberto "Bobi" (better yet BOBO) Tiglao. I've written some scathing articles as a private citizen questioning Maria Ressa's credibility. I watched the BBC HARDtalk interview laughing when Ressa, though calm, still made a fool out of herself on the same show. I was amazed at how Sackur himself managed to hit Ressa with some rebuttals. Fortunately, Ressa kept her calm even after the show ended. I would often refer to Tiglao's articles such as articles on Liela Dilemma, who's currently out on bail, and the new spokesperson of the Liberal Party of the Philippines-Dilawan People's Army (LPP-DPA) while Angat Buhay remains as its legal front. The LPP-DPA may not be as dangerous as the CPP-NPA. However, their devotion to the late Noynoy Aquino is almost eerily similar to CPP-NPA members' devotion to the late Joma Sison. I still believe that even if Dilemma wasn't all that guilty - I believe she still deserves to be in jail for NEGLECT. 

The reason why I want to write this crazy blog post (even comparing it to a wordless comic strip called Spy vs Spy) is because of Tiglao's really ANTI-REFORM stance. Yes, call him BOBO Tiglao from now on. Recent articles by Tiglao (such as this) may show why he and Orion Perez Dumdum of the CoRRECT Movement had a falling out. Like Benign0 of Get Real Philippines - Tiglao has been making stupid statements about FDI in the Philippines. According to Tiglao, Singapore only opened AFTER it became a first-world country. Can Tiglao take his statements to the National University of Singapore and prove it? Even the book From Third World to First written by the late Lee Kuan Yew has proven him WRONG on so many levels. Sure, I enjoy reading Tiglao's expose on Rappler but I feel he hammers Ressa WHILE defending the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. Personally, I could care less if Ressa can secure a permit, get some foreign funding, etc. if the Philippines should fully amend the economic provisions of the current law. Ressa can continue having a green card (if she has one), and vacation in America to keep her green card, and Rappler can continue to do business as a news organization. Rappler can continue receiving funds from Omidyar as long as it is openly declared. I believe some of Rappler's legal issues are a result of that lousy Philippine media law. 

That's why I gave the description of Spy vs. Spy. It's a wordless comic strip that began in the 1960s. I remember these comic strips from the Sunday newspaper. It's almost like Ressa is Spy 1 and Tiglao is Spy 2 or take your pick. It seems almost every move Ressa and Tiglao make would be sabotaging each other - only to make a fool out of themselves. It seems that Ressa and Tiglao are only derailing each other rather than going after the truth. Ressa also somehow chooses to keep Toady Casino around in Rapper. Toady is really one person that can't be trusted and can be seen as a self-serving liar. I believe Toady's stance against economic liberalization is so he and his fellows can continue to exploit people.

It's interesting to check out how Ressa and Tiglao tend to exchange blows. In my case, I won't dismiss anything just because it's Rappler or Manila Times. In the case of Rappler, one may check out how Rappler writes about Tiglao's conspiracy theories. Tiglao also wrote about how the law catches up with Rappler. Right now, I even wonder if Tiglao's opposition to FDI is because it would actually allow Rappler to grow. I mean, think of Ressa can continue being an American citizen and getting foreign funding. That would allow Rappler to grow, right? I may not like Rappler or Ressa but I'm in favor of removing the law where only Filipinos can do mass media. Rappler can either innovate or perish like any company. If Rappler does better then so be it. If not, let Rappler perish. I don't think that's how Tiglao was thinking when he wrote that expose. I think it's just that Tiglao is mad because Rappler is a competitor to his employer. the Manila Times.  

I don't care anymore if people fight over the Ressa vs. Tiglao argument. For me, it's best to view them like the Spy vs. Spy wordless comics. It can get hilarious whenever Ressa and Tiglao tend to derail each other. Lee called the Philippine press to be RAMBUNCTIOUS and could easily be bought. Is anybody paying Ressa or Tiglao? I can't be certain. One may look at Ressa and Tiglao as a duel of two rambunctious journalists. Maybe, it's even between Rappler and Manila Times. I'd take everything both sides say with a grain of salt. It's because there are times Rappler and Manila Times are right. However, I'm doubting both sides. I'll just get some popcorn and enjoy what I all a Spy vs. Spy duel.