Trolls, Disinformation Make Philippine Election Coverage a Challenge

The hostility can make for a tense working environment.

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“Some candidates have rabid supporters ready to attack a journalist once he posts something about another candidate,” Manahan of ABS-CBN said.

Others, like Rappler journalist Jairo Bolledo, say years of high-level hostility directed at his news website makes him feel unsafe.

“My biggest challenge for the election coverage is the danger it entails because of the culture of violence and hate inculcated by the government against Rappler. It basically makes me feel unsafe at times, but it also drives me to do better journalism for the people,” he told VOA.

“Regardless of who you cover, there are always supporters who will attack you if they did not like or agree with your stories,” he said.

Bolledo said he hopes the relationship between the press and government will improve under a new president.

“We are looking for a presidency where media will once again be treated with dignity.”

Source: VOA