Uphold the truth, no matter what the consequences may be.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong gave this advice to young individuals aspiring to become purveyors of information.
The mayor said while most of the time, telling the truth comes with great consequences, it is still the best thing to do.
“Sometimes it is difficult to tell the truth because of the consequences and implications. But at the end of the day, the truth will set us free,” Magalong told the campus journalists who participated in the workshop organized by private group Krayonz.
The mayor told the campus writers to develop responsible journalism by sticking to the virtue of truthfulness and honesty.
“If there comes a time that you will be caught in a situation where you will have to choose between telling the truth and telling a lie, tell the truth even if you will be admonished for it because in the end, your honesty will be appreciated,” Magalong said.
“At this early age, practice honesty and truthfulness because that would be your strong foundation. It will determine your future. This early, learn to determine right from wrong.”
As future leaders, Magalong said it is important to cultivate honesty and truthfulness as among the moral foundation of the youth.
“Without this foundation, magkakaroon tayo ng malaking problema,” he said.
Fresh from appearing in the Senate investigation into the alleged involvement of ranking Philippine National Police in recycling illegal drugs by selling the seized items, among other anomalous deeds, where he dragged Police Chief Oscar Albayalde into the mess, Magalong told the budding journalists to uphold the truth no matter what the cost may be.
Magalong said he is fighting for the truth to come about the involvement of police officers in illegal drugs not only to uphold the integrity of the men and women in the PNP who are doing excellent jobs well, but also to save the youth from the drug menace.
“I am fighting for the truth because if the very institution that is supposed to lead the campaign against illegal drugsis not doing its job well, may problema. I was fighting for the men and women in the PNP who are doing the right thing but because of the wrongdoings of some of the members, nasisira sila.”
“I am fighting for the truth because I am also fighting for the youth. Among all sectors of society, kayo ang pinaka-vulnerable to illegal drugs. And if we have an honest, genuine, and effective campaign against illegal drugs, we are saving you, the youth, and this country’s future,” he said. – Jane B. Cadalig
