CMFR Staff, Author at CMFR

A safe SONA, a cautious press

PRESIDENT FERDINAND Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, filling an hour and 11 minutes with feel-good updates on rice subsidies,... Read more

As floodwaters rose, media failed to focus on flood control

JULY OPENED the rainy season with simultaneous storms hitting the country. Cruising, Dante, and Emong all caused floodwaters to rise rapidly around the city. On July 28, media reports... Read more

Shadow over sabong: How media tracked the disappearances to discover a mass murder

MORE THAN three years have passed since the disappearance of some 32 sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts was first reported in the news. With a lack of evidence to move... Read more

Media fuel Castro-Duterte word war but fail to discuss issues

JEERS TO the media for allowing the “word war” between the Malacañang and Vice President Sara Duterte to take up as much space and time as given in their... Read more

Lack of Pride: Under-reporting gender issues

JUNE IS Pride month, dedicated to remember and highlight the Stonewall uprising in 1969 which is regarded as a catalyst for the popular struggle to assert queer rights. Sadly... Read more

Bulatlat’s pride stories lend color to space claimed in literature, faith, and policy

CHEERS TO Bulatlat for its reports that uphold pride, offering a refreshing, radical, and deeply human take on LGBTQIA+ lives and struggles. Read more

Love, property, and low news value: The Duterte distraction

JEERS TO several media for giving undue prominence to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s personal affairs — particularly his private residence in Davao City and a message to his “13... Read more

When leaders neglect education: Failon’s news commentary presents pattern of failures

CHEERS TO the news commentary "Think About It" by Ted Failon that pointed to systemic corruption and the failure of leadership as primary causes of the learning crisis confronting... Read more

Rappler’s review checks K to 12 and revised Senior High School program, confirms continuing failure of basic education system

CHEERS TO Rappler’s Bonz Magsombol for his recent reports on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) revised K to 12 curriculum. The new program aims to enhance opportunities for employment... Read more

BusinessMirror, Frontline Tonight discussed effect of Iran-Israel conflict on PH economy

CHEERS TO the BusinessMirror and TV5’s Frontline Tonight for reporting on the outbreak of conflict between Iran and Israel and drawing out the impact of the conflict on the... Read more