Full Deck

The problem with doing pressers at dawn is it changes the news cycle and creates a lot of loose interpretations by people who listen to it half-awake and tired. Fact checking also becomes more problematic to a media establishment that has been used to being spoon fed. Lead coverage has likewise shifted to online since breaking news with traditional media seems unable to adjust to a different working environment.

By now we know there are no slow news days with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD). Often, major pressers come in end/start of the week and mid week. Major announcements are also made in presidential visits of military camps or major sectoral events outside of Metro Manila. If one will just observe PRRD’s style, one could discern when he is serious and when added statements are just elaboration or elucidation of points. He will emphasize what are important by repeating things and will just make a quick retort on what are just running commentaries, not serious at all. But on the presidential pulpit, once announced, become serious policy statements, and that is when the problem kicks in.