Little did I know what power comes with the press ID not until I experienced it first hand.

Last Monday, I was assigned to cover the regular session of the Sanguniang Panlungsod in Baguio City Hall for Skycable news. Before I entered the session hall, I was quite scared as I recalled the last time I was there. I imagined myself last year, sitting at the corner whom nobody even noticed. I had to introduce myself about ten times before I was actually heard. What is worst is that I had to leave that hall with an unfinished business. But not this time.

Being an intern in Skycable is a very different scenario. Having the confidence of being a media person, I had the guts to walk straight into the front seats with my companion carrying our video camera. When an official seemed to question our presence, I just had to smile and say “Good afternoon…Skycable news” and eventually he nodded and smiled back.

Basically, being part of the media gives you the power to tend to your business without anyone getting in your way. You could be recognized and given special attention at times or you could be someone who goes unnoticed (depending on what will suit your needs). In fact, you are able to rub elbows with the authorities. Authorities, who are most of the time, scared of the media.

Yes indeed, the media is a very strong tool in politics. Politicians are scared of how the press will project them to the masses with the fear of losing votes or support. The people in the national government, who have fishy-monkey businesses, do not care about being brought to court. They are not scared of the Supreme Court’s judgment. What they care for is their reputation. What they are scared of is the broadcasting and journalism judgment.

No wonder why a lot of people would like to carry a press ID as passes. Well I don’t blame them. Nevertheless, I hope they would still consider that the power given by such ID comes with such responsibility of leading and directing the nation into the right direction.