Holding the Line

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno joins officers of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Inc., headed by its president Evelyn Quiroz, during a wreath-laying ceremony marking at the monument of Marcelo H. Del Pilar to mark the 175th anniversary of the Filipino hero’s birth. Moreno underscored the importance of a free press: ‘Whether you are a journalist and someone who works in the government, communication is important for our people.’ Samahang Plaridel chairman and Manila Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo said just as Del Pilar fought to expose the plight of Filipinos during the Spanish regime, the media must continue to push for social change through passionate, truthful, and professional journalism. Also in attendance was Del Pila’s great granddaughter, Rica Pauline Villegas. Norman Cruz