Rappler’s Documentary Focuses on Dissenting and Critical Vloggers

CHEERS TO Rappler for its documentary that profiles  online dissenters, critics and oppositionists. This minority constitutes a legitimate and necessary voice in a democracy. 

The three vloggers presented by Rambo Talabong supported the campaign of presidential candidate Leni Robredo. Declared critics of both the previous and present administration, these individuals take positions that are clearly independent, and committed to the principle of holding power to account. 

They produce their own content, awaiting no signals from any party or organization about the subject they discuss or the points they make. Talabong calls attention to their efforts to check the false claims of troll armies and government propaganda

Each one has his personal story, simply told but poignant with the truth that ordinary people can make a difference in the new media landscape. 

Talabong produced a documentary in July 2022 which featured pro-Marcos vloggers — how they became supporters of the Marcos campaign, the sources for their stories, and the compensation they received for their work. It described one of the factors in the electoral triumph of Bongbong Marcos last May 9. 

This time, his documentary, posted on February 23, found vloggers on the other side, highlighting in 21 minutes the creation of a countervailing force against the massive and orchestrated propaganda in support of the second Marcos president. 

These vloggers come from different backgrounds. Personal circumstances drove them to explore the new platforms for political purposes. They believe that voices reflecting popular opposition are needed now more than ever; and they hope that their efforts will further as well as deepen public understanding of the real state of the nation.

Each one connects closely to their followers, embracing the synergy that develops between them and their viewers, taking time to sustain a rich exchange by responding to their queries and their issues.

Ironically, these voices use the same platform that is also used by pro-Marcos vloggers. As a counterpoint, the three face a host of challenges, including threats. They are not blind to the dangers of their pursuit, but their dedication to a common cause grows from a larger commitment to the country and its future. 

Death Threats 

Roy Mabasa worked in print and had retired as a reporter from the Manila Bulletin. But when his brother, “Percy Lapid” was killed in October last year, he faced a turning point. Talabong recalled Ka Percy’s criticism of Gerald Bantag, then director of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) before his death.  

Roy and the entire Mabasa family had to decide what they would do with the program Lapid had left behind. A family meeting decided that all members would support Roy in taking over Lapid Fire, Percy’s online program, which with Roy continues to draw up to 200,000 followers. The same program airs on DWBL 1242.  

The Mabasa family continues to feel the threat and risk to their safety. For security, Roy has decided to do his work in different locations. He does the daily routine, learning a completely new kind of news delivery. It has not been easy but he feels he owes the work to his brother and the people who daily listened to him. 

The impact of Lapid’s death has been felt by many more in media. The sense of danger has extended to other vloggers and journalists as well who take a critical stance in their reports. 

Chris Tan discovered the magic of the Internet ahead of most everyone, recalling his start as a vlogger when “the Internet was fun.” From skits and jokes, Tan saw the power of the connection and became a life-coach online. In 2019, he turned political, seeing a leader in Leni Robredo, “a total package.” Followers increased dramatically. These days he has taken up the speedy acquittal of Juanito Jose Remulla, the long imprisonment of Leila de Lima and the flaws of the Maharlika Wealth Fund. His followers are steady at 70,000. 

When Lapid was killed, Tan realized the gravity of the danger to truth tellers. He withdrew for three weeks, admitting that he feared for his life. He even considered leaving the country.

After much thought, he decided to stay and resume his work.  However, he has consciously opted for a calmer and quieter approach. Remaining critical, he tries not to be confrontational, often asking questions about what others think.

Jade Dela Cruz, a vlogger known as “The Action Man”, turned to the new media when he lost his job as a receptionist in a call center agency in 2019. He was a staunch supporter of Leni Robredo as Vice President and as presidential candidate. When he started, his videos focused mostly on Robredo’s 2022 national campaign, but shifted to other issues after the election. 

Although he, like other critical vloggers, has received threats, Dela Cruz refuses to be intimidated, saying that being in the right makes him unafraid. He patiently engages his critics and has been rewarded by those who now say that they disagreed with him at first but are now on his side. 

Dela Cruz’ determination is rooted in his audience. He said that he was able to enlighten his former bashers by patiently and persistently drawing from an arsenal of truth: “Sunggaban ko ang isang kasinungalingan at maippresent ako na ito ang katotohanan, dun ako nakakuha ng mga dating ayaw sa akin.” (I expose a lie and I present the truth, that’s how I get them to support.)

Mabasa expressed concern over so many who have been captured by “trolls” “Nakakalungkot, nakakatakot, sapagkat maraming nabubulag, eh. May naloloko sila (trolls) eh.” (It is disheartening to see both victims and trolls alike being blinded and misled.)

Tan emphasized the importance of dissent. He said contradiction is not a bad thing as “the absence of dissent never leads to better thought.” Opposition, according to Tan, challenges ideas and “makes thoughts better”. 

Realizing Their Significance

Talabong’s documentary highlighted the isolation that these few vloggers must feel as they brave the field dominated by “trolls” on YouTube, and the power of the state they represent. His message clearly points to the need for more voices that question, that check false claims, that draw the line against lies. 

The documentary shows how netizens have turned to online platforms to create content that is set apart by its vigorous questioning and criticism of government actions or official statements. Talabong presents them as truth providers, as inquirers and critics in behalf of a meaningful and extensive national conversation.

More people should know about Roy Mabasa, Chris Tan and Jade dela Cruz. They are keeping democracy alive, as democracy fails without the participation of a strong minority. Given the level of propaganda employed by government, voices in opposition should be strengthened by the resonance of other people’s voices – empowered by the truths these vloggers are brave enough to tell. 

May their tribe increase!