In present day, Philippine politics is so wide spread and diverse that most social institutions or platforms are used to their advantage. This being said, there is no doubt that politics can be found, evidently, everywhere. Philippine Politics enabled individuals to subjectively and objectively immerse themselves into certain situations and places. Using these platforms to develop and deepen once understanding to Philippine Politics. Making use of social institutions solidifies the strength of Philippine Politics outside it’s walls. While there are handful of social institutions, Mass Media continues to effectively influence its users through its widespread platform. This makes Mass Media universally vital to the outside influence of politics mainly for it is accessibility and strong influence to each individuals.
Mass Media is a loaded term hence why narrowing it down to a specific or particular platform would be best. While there are numerous platforms under Mass Media, Facebook can be inferred as the alpha amongst these other platforms. Facebook has consumed the Filipinos. Having this platform be in its prime in the country; knowing that 97% of Filipinos who are said to be online have facebook accounts “(Etter L, 2017). This isn’t really surprising since smartphones outnumber the people either way. Given this, There is no doubt that Philippine Politics would eventually weaponise this platform. In an interview, Maria Ressa said that while using Media is advantageous, it can also be a way for unfair and unjust doings. In addition to this, “Since being elected in May 2016, Duterte has turned Facebook into a weapon. In the same article, it is said that the same individuals who fought alongside Duterte and his campaign for his presidency were brought inside the Malacañang Palace. This individuals are those taking down opponents more notably senators and human rights activists. This resulted for them to be viciously attacked online and ultimately jailed on drug charges (Etter L, 2017). Knowing that Facebook itself, as stated in its policies and regulations, allow electoral and political advertisements makes the power of Politics inevitable. This article was made two (2) years ago and until now evidently Mass Media is still being weaponised. Facebook being the most prominent and used platform in the country. Is also the same platform highly being weaponised by these personalities in the government. Until now the citizens, most if not all, are being sold by both subjective and objective statements found in each individuals. With the use of Facebook, there is direct and easy contact with voters or individuals which then is susceptible to fixation of rights. Freedom can be controlled and can be suppressed with the use of this platform. Its ironic mainly because Facebook originally wasn’t being used for that matter rather its purpose was to converse, change ideas, make freedom easily attainable and universal. However, now a days, this isn’t the case for Media is being suppressed. A great example of such would be the case of the Philippine President himself and Rappler. Duterte has made explosive and striking statements against journalists in general. Justifying his death threats on them. The Philippine House of Representatives allows reporters to be banned if deemed so. While the Philippine Politics sells itself through Facebook, being subjective and even objective with the same platform can be suppressed.
This then shows how Mass Media, may it seem to offer freedom of subjectivity amongst citizens, can be used to objectify them. Personally, I rarely post anything related to Politics because of its implications for me as an individual. My views and my political side is for mine and mine alone. Being an object despite my eagerness to be of my own not to be suppressed by certain individuals in my life. This was me year back however, at present I am no longer scared to show my political views through sharing statements and politically related posts. Although I still have myself worrying and being cautious to what i share and post with regards to the government. I wouldn’t say I am an object to this. However, there are times and situations that I am, mainly because of the culture and norms or values already instilled in me through other social institutions.
Sources:
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-12-07/how-rodrigo-duterte-turned-facebook-into-a-weapon-with-a-little-help-from-facebook
Murse, T., Murse, T., The Caucus, & LNP Media. (n.d.). Social Media in Politics – Twitter and Facebook as Campaigns Tools. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/how-social-media-has-changed-politics-3367534
Relentless Assault on the Philippine Press. (2018, May 06). Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/04/30/relentless-assault-philippine-press
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