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

JEERS TO The Philippine Star, GMA News Online, ABS-CBN News, News5, Inquirer.net, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, and Daily Tribune 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 girlfriends.” Duterte is no longer in public office, and yet the media continues to spotlight his personal affairs as though they were matters of national consequence.

The frenzy of coverage was triggered by the “For Sale” sign that was hung on the wall in front of the house, a visual cue that made headlines for several days.  The Tribune and Bulletin, on June 29, were the first of the national media to report that the house was being sold, quoting sources close to the family. GMA News noted on June 30 that the “For Sale” sign had been removed. By July 1, the story had spiraled into a narrative of disagreement among members of the Duterte family. 

In another personal detour into Duterte’s personal life, The Star published Duterte’s message to his supposed “13 girlfriends” to “get new boyfriends.” But Daily Tribune on its FB page took the prize for its exercise in absurdity – a breathless write-up that read like romantic fan fiction. 

Amid the news noise, three opinion pieces offered more thoughtful takes. Vera Files published a commentary framing the Matina residence as a potential witness to the crimes of the drug war, raising questions about how such spaces should be remembered or repurposed. Rappler, in a column, reflected on the house as a symbol, not of real estate, but of Duterte’s lingering presence in the national psyche. It captured how even a “For Sale” sign could stir memories, renewing the grief that a cruel regime had inflicted on its people. The Manila Times, in a sharply worded column, argued that the media frenzy revealed Duterte’s continuing hold on the media, making news out of so little, perpetrating by media attention the supposed power of Duterte to make news.

As of July 9, Duterte’s personal affairs and quotes continue to hog headlines, with media reporting that Duterte may move in with his ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman if his house is sold, and a new quote from the former President: that he wishes to be cremated should he pass away in the Hague.

The obvious fixation of media on Duterte has bordered on the frivolous so often as to reflect the weakness that inheres in news making, seeking the common denominator in human interest, it can resort to trivializing what is important, lowering the bar for what makes news, and the information that citizens should know. 

The media’s persistent return to Duterte’s personal orbit feeds on the fact that Rodrigo Duterte out-of-office continues to capture public attention. 

In which case, editorial judgment must play a role. It is precisely the capacity of gate-keepers to control the downward spin of news value. The reliance on prominence and color must ultimately turn public attention to significant developments. 

Sure, the “for sale” sign makes news. But editorial judgment should move to more significant issues involving both Rodrigo and Sara Duterte. There is no need to manufacture news about the Dutertes, as so much of their conduct in public office has escaped media scrutiny and has remained so far untold.