Puno’s daughter: As he breaks his silence, so will I

Now that my father broke his silence and it seems like opinion matters, let me share mine. 

What happened to the days when we needed media to speak up for the truth? What happened to the days when we trusted our media to tell us unbiased facts?

I graduated with a Development Communication degree, and our school taught us to always be moral and two-sided. The fact that one network used the word “raid” with the word “breaking news” and with just a photo of a logbook for evidence made me doubt, made US doubt everything that they had to say.

I don’t think reporters have the right to tell their opinion, especially (on) matters like that. They’re suppose to report FACTS. They’re supposed to report. Period.

To be honest, I am quite upset that my father resigned from his post. It’s not because he’ll be at home all the time, but because he’s come so far, he’s done so much, and for what? I keep asking myself why he gave up on the People so easily? I keep asking myself why couldn’t he hold on any longer? I was so proud of him, actually, WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIM. He kept silent. He let the people think for themselves as different facts unravelled as each day passed. And after all that bad news, he was the only one smiling at home.

But again, I guess a man of his age would know when to step down. When to say that it’s enough. I guess it’s when he saw his siblings and mother getting upset for him, his wife getting stressed out for him, and his children affected for him.

I guess it’s when he realized that the only way he can be against the media is to not speak at all, and NOT give them answers. I guess it’s when he learned from the bus incident that no matter what he says, the media will turn it in a way that he is still to blame. But really, if you ask yourself, if you really, really think about it, who are these people who keep trying to put him down?

Our family never once used this so called “power” or “unique relationship” with the President to our advantage. We still live in the same house, we have the same crew, the same cars, and the same standard of living. We still prefer staying at home and eating lunch on Sundays.

We live simply, and we will die simple. My father is not a politician and we are not a political family. We serve the Filipino people because like the President, believe in his daang matuwid life. And so I ask again, who will benefit from this position now that he has left? 

And to you, you know who you are, as I will call you Mr. Man, you may look good, you may have good intentions, but how dare you, enter our home, eat our food, and mingle with our family, only to what? What have we done to you to deserve this kind of treatment?

How do you sleep at night knowing that you are ruining a man’s life only to reach a certain position? And to that specific network, you may be the most popular network now, but if the People finally realize how you choose to report on news like that, and if you choose to do it just because one of your is related to somebody, shame on you, and shame on the way you report and ruin people’s lives. I can never trust you, and can’t other people.

And to the people who were there by our side, and who are still here with us, thank you. Thank you so much for the support, for the love, and for all the prayers. It made us stronger each day. It made us believe that we still had our “kakampi” with us. It made us wake up each day knowing that our true friends are here for us. 

Lastly, thank you for Papa’s security. You have all been part of this mess, and yet you are still there to protect him for us. You kept him safe for us, you let us sleep better every time he goes home safe. Thank you so much, and although we are truly sad that you are to leave your post, I hope you know that we all treat you as our extended family.

But then again, this is only an opinion. – Rappler.com

This is taken from Inna Puno’s blog with her permission.