Veteran broadcast journalist Karmina Constantino during "Campus Patrol," ABS-CBN News’ media literacy campaign, at the University of Santo Tomas on March 21, 2025. ABS-CBN News

MANILA — In a time when critics are calling for mass disengagement from mainstream media, veteran broadcast journalist Karmina Constantino delivers a firm message: the truth must persist.

Alamin: Karapatan ng student journalists

Recently, a social media trend has seen users blocking major news outlets, accusing them of manipulation and disinformation amid political turmoil. 

For Constantino, this only underscores the need for journalists to uphold their responsibility with even greater dedication.

“Kailangan hindi tayo natitinag sa pagsisiwalat ng katotohanan, hindi tayo natitinag sa pagbabalita ng katotohanan,” she emphasized during Campus Patrol, ABS-CBN News’ media literacy campaign at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Friday, March 21.

(We must not waver in revealing the truth, we must not waver in reporting the truth.)

She was joined by ABS-CBN News chief of reporters Jeff Canoy and Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo research and training officer Dabet Panelo, who collectively tackled the state of journalism, press freedom, the evolving media landscape, and the role of citizen journalism in today’s society. 

They also discussed how to navigate the challenges of truth-telling in a world increasingly skeptical of the media. 

JOURNALISM’S ROLE IN A DISCERNING SOCIETY

Constantino highlighted the journalist’s duty to ensure that the public remains well-informed despite increasing skepticism and the rise of misinformation.

“Kasi ang puno't dulo nito, our viewers will have an informed choice. Wala naman ‘tong pilitan. Pero ang importante sa atin ay maibigay natin sa kanila kung ano ba dapat ang kanilang malaman,” she said. 

“Para pag dumating ang panahon na kailangan nilang magdesisyon para sa sarili nila, para sa mga kapamilya nila, para sa bayan, ito'y nakabase lamang sa katotohanan.” 

(At the end of the day, our viewers will have an informed choice. There is no coercion here. But what matters is that we provide them with what they need to know. So that when the time comes for them to make decisions for themselves, their families, or the nation, these decisions will be based solely on the truth.) 

Her words resonated with students who attended the talk, many of whom acknowledged the growing difficulty of distinguishing truth from deception in the digital age. 

STUDENTS REFLECT ON MEDIA’S ROLEABS-CBN News head Francis Toral during "Campus Patrol," ABS-CBN News’ media literacy campaign, at the University of Santo Tomas on March 21, 2025. ABS-CBN News

Elaine Rose Vargas, a UST senior high school student, shared her realization about the importance of being critical and responsible news consumers. 

“Isa sa mga natutunan ko sa programang ito ay ‘yong kahalagahan ng media. Dito tayo minumulat at sine-shape bilang responsible citizens, lalo na ngayong laganap ang fake news sa social media. Ang mahalaga ay tingnan natin ang tama at maipasa ito sa iba para mamulat rin sila. Sabi nga, ‘Ang namulat ay hindi na muling pipikit.’”

(One of the things I learned from this program is the importance of media. It opens our eyes and shapes us into responsible citizens, especially now that fake news is widespread on social media. What’s important is that we recognize the truth and pass it on to others so they, too, may become aware. As the saying goes, ‘Those who have been awakened will never close their eyes again.’) 

Fellow student Cristine Javier echoed these sentiments, recognizing how the public often disengage from news due to personal biases.

“Napansin ko na ang news ay nagiging disengaging para sa tao dahil mas gusto nilang konsyumuhin kung ano lang ang gusto nila. Pero sa role ng news today, importante ito para makatulong sa pag-combat ng disinformation, lalo na ngayong papalapit ang midterm elections,” she said. 

(I noticed that people disengage from the news because they prefer to consume only what they want. But in today’s context, the role of news is crucial in helping to combat disinformation, especially with the midterm elections approaching.) 

For Lucy Alvarez, the talk reinforced the urgency of preserving space for press freedom. 

“Mas lumiliit na po yung espasyo para sa media at dapat pa natin itong palakihin. Napakahalaga ng presensya ng media para sa transparency, lalo na sa mga usaping pampulitika at panlipunan,” she said. “Kapag may impormasyon, andiyan ang media para i-back up tayo.” 

(The space for media is shrinking, and we should work to expand it. The presence of media is essential for transparency, especially in political and social issues. When there is information, the media is there to back us up.) 

THE ROAD AHEAD

The event at UST served as a timely reminder that media literacy is more than just about consuming news—it’s about engaging with it critically, said ABS-CBN News head Francis Toral. 

“Sa ating mga kabataan, manatiling mulat, manatiling mapanuri, at alamin bago mag-click, like, and subscribe, at share ng mga mensahe at mga balita. Alamin muna, totoo ba ito o hindi. Part ‘yan ng ating responsableng pamamahayag,” she said. 

(To our youth, stay aware, stay critical, and verify before clicking, liking, subscribing, or sharing messages and news. Find out first—Is it true or not? That is part of responsible journalism.)

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