The Philippines: Payoffs for Journalists - Let's Publicly Acknowledge the Practice, and Work to Stop It

Recently, I received a book from a former congressman, someone I covered in the 1980s when I was just starting out as a reporter. With the book came a note that brought back memories of my early years in journalism.

Here’s what the note says:

“I cannot forget that at one time, it was Christmas, I wrapped some chocolate and I think I put in P100 with a small note that said, ‘Please buy yourself a small gift.’ I got back the P100 with a note from you saying, ‘I will take the sweets but please take back the cash.’ I can never forget this because I was deeply embarrassed.”

The congressman and I got to talk soon after the incident. He apologized and told me that he was advised it was “standard practice” to give money to journalists. The next Christmas, he gave me a broom (to sweep away the past?) and native delicacies. Seriously, these gifts were most appreciated.

It was an experience that stayed with us. On my part, it was one of my first brushes with the real world where we’re supposed to know how to tame beasts, wrestle with dilemmas and find out if we’re made of stern stuff. For his part, it was a jolting introduction to the world of journalists.

I’ve had a similar experience with another congressman who eventually became a senator. His staff member came to the press room and handed me an envelope. I opened it and saw the peso bills—I couldn’t remember how much—and followed my instinct. I wrote a note to the congressman explaining that he need not give journalists money because we are paid by our publications. It’s our job to report on Congress and this doesn’t require payment from our subjects.

As soon as he received my note, the congressman looked me up in the press room and was contrite.

These incidents took place more than 20 years ago—but little has changed. This practice doesn’t happen only in Congress, mind you. And bribery comes in many forms, from expensive gifts (way beyond what our salaries can afford) to freebies such as overseas junkets. But that gets complicated so let me just focus on money first.

The amounts have definitely become bigger and the ways of giving have evolved. Whereas before the phenomenon was called “envelopmental journalism,” today it is referred to as “ATM journalism” because all the giver has to do is deposit the money in the journalist’s bank account—and voila!

Paying off journalists is not unique to the Philippines. It’s scandalizing to read about the US government paying journalists in Iraq to publish positive stories on the world’s superpower. It’s something we do not expect from a country that has strong institutions and where top media organizations are very squeamish even about accepting gifts.

Closer to home, in Indonesia, The Jakarta Post recently reported that journalists and activists have launched a campaign against “envelope journalism,” a widespread practice. “The envelope tradition,” said an official of the Alliance of Independent Journalists, “could reduce the credibility of journalists. Without credibility, the news media will not be able to play its role as a pillar of democracy.”

What’s significant about the Indonesian campaign is that it involves anti-corruption bodies and was openly supported by the country’s vice president, Jusuf Kalla. This means that the dirty practice has been publicly acknowledged, a good first step in combating it.

By ourselves, we, journalists, cannot stop this itch. We need to work with the public, civil society groups, and business associations.

For those who’re hooked, is rehabilitation available through say, a Bribes Anonymous?

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