Thread by @rapplerdotcom

.@IanEsguerra: Given a choice between Pia Ranada and Toni Gonzaga whose questions won't be offensive, the [politician] would go to the celebrity. The challenge for journalists is not to surrender this responsibility. We have to get these people answer our questions. | @newsdwight

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight .@camillediola: What if we welcome some of these influencers as part of our community? They may not be professional journalists, but if we count them as part of the news media, or try to seek accountability from them, we could also work with them about journalistic principles.

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight @camillediola .@mikenavallo: Social media influencers are not governed by rules. It will be hard for Comelec to monitor how much is being spent online. How many influencers can sway voters to pick a particular candidate just because they were paid? How do you seek accountability? | @newsdwight

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight @camillediola @mikenavallo .@piaranada: One practice that I see every election is journalists writing only about controversial statements. We should draw away from this convention. Newsrooms should allow journalists time to write in-depth pieces that really compare the track record of these candidates.

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight @camillediola @mikenavallo @piaranada .@mikenavallo: Everybody in the Philippines should be able to choose the kind of leader who will respect press freedom, and who understands the role of the media, how it can help the public understand the pandemic, and not shut down or go against any media establishment.

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight @camillediola @mikenavallo @piaranada .@mikenavallo: I'm not going to campaign for anybody. It's just that our leaders should be able to meet basic standards of choosing our leaders, such as respect for life... right to dignity, basic necessities. That's universal. There shouldn't be a debate about that.

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight @camillediola @mikenavallo @piaranada .@IanEsguerra: I get this question, 'Bakit itong pulitiko, ginigisa mo, itong isa, hindi?' Gigisahin mo ba si Robredo about human rights, e hindi naman siya presidente? Kung siya ang presidente at siya ang nag-implement ng drug war, gigisahin natin si Leni. | via @newsdwight

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight @camillediola @mikenavallo @piaranada .@cmfr recognizes @mariaressa for bagging the Nobel Peace Prize. "She has never retreated from her position, and Rappler continues to provide critical news and commentary," CMFR executive director Melinda Quintos De Jesus says. | via @newsdwight

@IanEsguerra @newsdwight @camillediola @mikenavallo @piaranada @cmfr @mariaressa Watch the forum here: