Mainstream Media Picks Up The Malu Fernandez Issue
As was the goal from the very start, mainstream media finally picked up the Malu Fernandez issue. Our goal was accomplished, not only on this front, but also with the apology of Malu Fernandez and her tendered resignation letter to People Asia Magazine and Manila Standard Today.
ON GMA NEWS
Columnist quits after courting ire of droves of OFWs
Malu Fernandez, lifestyle columnist of Manila Standard, resigned from the paper and the travel magazine she used to write for after getting the ire of readers, particularly Filipino overseas workers in Dubai,
Her article, “From Boracay to Greece,” has been drawing a slew of heated words from all over the blogosphere, particularly from a group of overseas Filipino journalists in Dubai, who demanded a public apology from her and her resignation from the newspaper and the magazine.
The Filipino Press Club-Dubai has posted a statement at the website Tingog.com demanding Fernandez to apologize to the more than 200,000 Filipino migrant workers there who felt “insulted” by her story.
ON TV PATROL
ON Agence France-Presse
Journalist Hounded Out of Paper For Insulting Maids
MANILA, Philippines — A lifestyle writer has been hounded out of her job by death threats and hate mail after she wrote a travel piece many readers found insulting to millions of Filipinos who work abroad.
The column drew fire from across the universe of online diaries who denounced her for alleged bigotry.
Fernandez at first tried to deflect criticism of her article, saying in a subsequent newspaper column that it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek humor.
However, Fernandez said she has since become the “target of death threats, hate blogs, and deeply personal insults” and felt the need to apologize and quit. The Manila Standard Today confirmed that Fernandez no longer wrote for the paper.
ON ABS-CBN INTERACTIVE
Society Columnist quits over OFW Bashing
Complaints sent via the Internet and through othery types of media led a Manila-based society columnist to resign from her job following her negative comments about overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau reported Thursday.
Bureau chief Dindo Amparo reported that Filipinos in the Middle East proved they can make a difference by uniting for a cause against columnist Malu Fernandez.
Reactions from Manila Standard Today Columnist
CONNIE VENERACION
Obviously, there are two versions of the anti-Malu Fernandez campaign on the Internet. One demands a public apology; the other calls for her resignation, or firing, from People Asia Magazine and Manila Standard Today, apologies from both publications, plus a boycott of the same publications until Fernandez is fired or resigns and apologies are issued.
I tell you, there is nothing more useless and unreasonable as an angry, unthinking mob. And there is nothing more dangerous than a mob with an agendum—lest we forget, the Philippine blogging community is a medium too and hardly exempt from the mentality that anything goes if it translates to readership/audience.
No, I didn’t find the People Asia article funny. I thought it was insensitive and insulting and bordering on libelous. But neither am I amused nor impressed at some of the reactions in the Philippine blogging community—some are nothing short of libelous either.
BONG AUSTERO
For the record, I did find Fernandez’ MST column quite outrageous. I don’t find being haughty and elitist amusing, but Fernandez’s is not exactly peerless in this department. Oh please, there are a number of other lifestyle writers in other publications that dish out the same, if not far more contemptuous, and to my mind frivolous, discourse. Some of these people talk about their wardrobes and their partying as if these are the only things that matter in this country.
This is not to say that I think this paper or any paper for that matter should tolerate bigotry of any kind. We should rile against hatred of any form, wherever, and whomever it comes from. By all means, let us condemn in the strongest words possible what we think is wrong and vile. I don’t object to calls for boycotting a paper or flooding inboxes with angry denunciations. By all means, condemn and lambaste to your hearts desire. These are valid forms of protests.
But we must learn how and where to draw the line between what is valid and not, between what is reasonable and what is clearly excessive.
Public lynching has no place in a civilized world. I would caution anyone against advocating violence in any form. I find it alarming that many went as far as issuing death threats publicly. I am aware that many did so out of anger, but surely we are still capable of rational thinking even in the midst of extreme agitation.
RITA JIMENO
And so when the shockingly insensitive articles of Malu Fernandez saw print, deriding and putting down migrant workers, there was a justified outrage from the Filipino workers overseas communities around the globe, especially from the Middle East where most of them were based. Even resident Filipinos reacted violently to her statements.
I did not know about her articles until I received an e-mail from a regular reader and then later from several friends, including lawyers. A regular reader of mine, Efrain Felipe, e-mailed me to express his disappointment that the publisher of this paper allowed such bigotry and irresponsibility to be printed. It is our understanding that Ms. Fernandez has resigned from Manila Standard Today as a columnist and has made a public apology.
I do not know Ms. Fernandez but I honestly feel sorry for her. The outcry, to my mind, was not only because she insulted migrant workers. It was more that she unwittingly hurt and insulted practically every Filipino. Overseas workers are, after all, not just statistics contributing billions of pesos to the economy year after year. They are persons with names and faces, and families longing for them to come back home. More than that, we are a nation sensitive to put-downs by the fact that our country is a laggard compared to its advanced neighbors in the global community. The last thing we need is a put-down by a fellow Filipino.
Final Thoughts
Again, a goal was set, because we felt it was the right thing to do. As we have said, accountability is one of the keys in which our nation can truly progress. With the goal set, combined with our outrage, and the many machinations behind the scenes such as our letters to important media outlets and organizations, our public comments, our spreading of the news, and our determination to see this issue until it bore fruit, was all crucial to getting this issue mainstream. The goal of having the issue on mainstream media is the reality that this medium enjoys the monopoly of subscribers. It is all about getting our message out. And we have done this, and so much more.
Side Note: benj has been invited to the ABS-CBN studios on Thursday to talk about the Malu Fernandez issue. They included me in the invitation, but I am currently in The United States and can’t make it in such a short notice. We can help Benj by reading his current post, and seeing what we can do to help in making the taping informative and rich on the issues.
tags: filipino migrant workers, gma news, malu fernandez, manila standard today, people asia magazine
I think most of your readers and the blogging community at large had done its primary objective; to have Ms Fernandez acknowledge her insensitivity and callousness, but again what is done by the overall Media that the same should not be repeated again and again by some other personality? So far I have not heard any positive measure or any pronouncement by either the Publication community or the Journalist or Writer Bodies themselves. Chances are sooner rather than later someone will bear his or her ‘ugly’ tail again, why wait?
And it was front page of Daily Inquirer (August 25)
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=84544
But they only picked it up on the tail end. It had to reach fever pitch for it to be picked up.
@Vic, in fairness, The Filipino Press Club of Dubai issued their statement and sent me the copy. As for other media outlets, I am saddened, but each paper has their own policy and I’m sure they have carefully weighed their proper response. Is it right, I don’t think so, but it’s their choice. As I have said, many journalists just didn’t want to rock the boat. But then again, Vic, we’ve only just scratched the surface as to the true potential of what we can accomplish.
@Noemi, as you can see in the above post, The Inquirer only picked it up through the wire (Agency France-Presse). There really wasn’t even an assigned journalist on the issue itself. But, it’s the reality at present, that we need to go to such extremes to be heard. It will change though, sooner rather than later, this I am certain.
@Noemi, I will have a final follow-up article in a few hours, and of course, this will be addressed.
Okay I can’t wait for your next entry. I have this feeling that traditional media underestimated the the viral capability of blogs and assorted online media. Oh well.
Sir Nick, thank you!
I think discussions regarding the nature of blogging/bloggers vis-a-vis journalists and publications will be in order.
Most of the ethical considerations will be discussed by the journalist guests, so I think my focus should be on the following issues:
a) the emergence of blogging as a tool to air grievances - I think this is the first time that this has happened.
b) responsible blogging - if bloggers want to be taken seriously as a reputable flank of Philippine media, we have to be more discerning in knowing what is valid and relevant. Since we’re a fledgling community, it’s clear that a lot of our commenters and readers chose to cross the line.
She, really, is infuriating!
As a writer, she should have the wisdom to know if her words are acceptable or not.
I worked in a call center her in the Philippines and her article was sent via email and everybody wanted to give their angry comments.
Yes, it would actually become personal to a point where we would be looking at her picture - which increases our anger.
And we are in a travel account, we know the difference between the fare in coach and first class.
She should have gone to first class cabin, she she can experience the “poorness” that she wrote.
Nick, before post your final follow-up, you might want to take a look at this:
http://clearblogs.com/smoke/69832/Short-lived victory.html
Excuse me about your accountability. It is a mockery.
What Malu did is common Filipino snobbish elitist attitude. Say, Tagalogs are making fun of Bisaya. Bisaya are making fun of Boholanos. Manilenyos are making fun of Kapampangans. So what is new of this snobbish attitude. Hmmm, sounds like bigotry. Nobody raises that bigotry issue of the Tagalogs versus Bisaya. So why should Malu’s snobbery be your lame scapegoat of being underdog as an OFW.
So you mean, you just wake up this month and realize that you have to do something about snobbery.
Well, you got a huge challenge to do. Because after Malu, you have the whole Filipino society to change. Have fun!
Let us talk about insults and accountability.
Malu was straightforward to tell you what she thinks of OFW. Big deal.
On the other hand, your Philippine Government showered you with all the praises as HERO. How many taxes and fees an OFW had to pay to get out of the country? Big deal, right? No. That’s not it. Your government refuses to issue passport to a Filipina OFW in Dubai who is seeking repatriation back to Philippines for fear of her life after being abused by her employer. The Philippine gov’t surrender its right to issue passport and relinquish its protection of OFWs when the Arab employer is holding the OFW’s passport.
So much about lavish praises as HERO only to be left for the wolves. That to me is WHOLESALE INSULT OF OFWs. Sadly, I smell no accountability. But the whole blogging world and OFW’s are merely content of a 4 footer overweight Pinay lifestyle writer than taking on a real life and death issue that its government
I am sure the image of Dr Jose Rizal here would be laughing on you.
Yikes!
@Dodong, are you calling discrimination simply straightforward? We can acknowledge the differences but to use discrimination and bigotry in order to make her “witty” points is taking it too far. The response of The Filipino people was justified.
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Now with regards to different ethnic groups “making fun” of other ethnic groups, it does happen, but it doesn’t mean we are condoning it. And maybe, just maybe, this goes into an argument for pushing Federalism.. There are inherent differences between the ethnic groups, not only because of culture, but because of our tumultuous history with our colonial past. Isn’t it time, we stop complaining, and do something about it? And yes, Tingog.com will be moving towards that in the coming months, and I invite you to join in bridging not only the social gap, but maybe the still existent ethnic gap.
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That being said, we still have reason to celebrate our differences, and still move forward as a united Republic.
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There is something however, in your statement, that we are in agreement, and that is the utter lack of respect of our Government towards our OFWs. It certainly does pay lip service when it comes to OFWs, and what is glaringly obvious is that it focuses on remittances, but does the worst job humanly possible in protecting the rights of OFWs, creating better policies in terms of education, family affairs, travel expenses, tax structures, and so on.
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The articles are ready to be written, it is my hope, that individuals with the strength to write such critiques, will also have the strength to write about the solutions.
@cvj, I am still waiting to confirm that image/photo. I’m not sure which publication it is, and what date it was published. And so, I am holding my final follow-up until I can confirm it.
Nick,
Check again. CVJ gave me an update in my comments box. I have yet to verify it. It seems Malu will soon be back at the Standard. Here’s the link and the other one is from Smoke’s blog.
link
Para sa akin hindi tama ang artikulong inilabas ni Malou Fernandez dahil hindi niya alam ang tunay na buhay na mga OFW. Oo nga at hindi niya kasing yaman ang mga nakasabay niyang OFW ngunit wala pa rin siyang karapatan na matahin ang mga OFW na kung tutuusin ay kanyang mga kababayan. Naturingan pa man din siyang isang edukadong manunulat tapos ganun lamang ang kanyang pagtingin sa ibang tao (na sa tingin niya ay masmababa sa kanya!). Dahil sa kanyang mga nasabi ay daig niya pa ang isang taong walang pinagaralan!!!!
Dear Nick,
We were able to find the date and publication where the photo that was in Smoke’s blog. It was the Manila Standard Today and the piece appeared yesterday, Aug. 27.
Here’s my post about it: http://bryantonpost.blogspot.com/2007/08/malu-returns-to-manila-standard-today.html
For more photos, including those showing the entire page where it appeared, click here:
http://cmfr-phil.blogspot.com/2007/08/malus-back.html
Here’s another link: http://cmfr-phil.blogspot.com/2007/08/malus-back.html
@Bryant and Carlos,
Philippine Star has already come out with a proper statement, I’m not sure why Manila Standard has chosen to remain silent. In fairness, columnist for Manila Standard have already made statements, but the publication itself has not. And then this.
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I’m not sure what to think about this since they may have already printed this before the resignation was tendered. If the resignation was sent on a business day, then it had to have made it into the office after the printing was already finished.
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But, since we can’t get a confirmation yet, I’m not going to issue any statement as of yet. But one thing is clear, The Manila Standard Today as an organization has not issued a statement, and that in itself is disappointing. Not only because they choose to remain silent, but they are doing so in the midst of some very respectable writers on their staff.
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My follow-up article will be posted, despite yet another blunder, and if they do proceed, I can only wonder what it will do to the credibility of the paper.
sir, talaga namang kahit sinong pinoy (di siguro kasama mga mayayaman) na makakabasa ng article ni malu ay masasaktan o magagalit. sabi niya ibang level naman ng mga tao ang target ng kanyang article. saang lugar ba sa mundo natin na puro kasing yaman at talino (baka) niya ang nakatira. kahit sabihin natin na libong dolyar ang pahina ng kanyang pinagsulatan, di pa rin maiiwasang maipasa sa mga pangkaraniwang tao ang mga ganun. dun na lang sana sya sa buwan tumira, magsulat at mag-publish ng article. sigurado sya na at least milyonaryo ang makakapunta dun.
para kay dodong, hindi ka pinoy
It saddens me to see a Filipino speak negatively about her fellow Filipinos. Talk about wrong mindframe and bratiness! Our OFWs should be honored and admired for all their hardwork. Imagine having to choose to work in another country (far away from ones family) just to make sure that your loved ones will have a brighter future?!?
People in the media are given so much power because they’re placed in a position where they can be heard. Abusing this power is downright wrong. It is never “amusing” to make fun of other people’s plight or status in life. So to Ms. Fernandez, I hope that you have learned your lesson. Being rich or (being lucky enough) to belong to the upper echelons of society does not give ANYBODY the license to degrade other people. So who lacks common sense now?? Time for a wake up call, girl!
Contrary to what Austero said, hinting that Fernandez had merely been haughty, I find that she had actually been not only vicious and cruel but also extremely vulgar.
Malu Fernandez speaks only one thing for herself: she is not only descriminatory, insulting but also, extremely vulgar!