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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Palagi akong kakampi ng media': Pacquiao wants justice for slain Johnny Dayang

'Palagi akong kakampi ng media': Pacquiao wants justice for slain Johnny Dayang

Published Apr 30, 2025 05:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao described on Thursday, May 1 the brazen killing of veteran journalist, 89-year-old Johnny Dayang inside the latter's own home as a "direct attack on press freedom".

20250501_002028.jpgManny Pacquiao (left), Johnny Dayang (Facebook)

A direct attack on press freedom.

That's how Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao described on Thursday, May 1 the brazen killing of veteran journalist, 89-year-old Johnny Dayang inside the latter's own home.

Pacquiao further described the shocking slay as "senseless and brutal" as well as a "grim reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in the country".

“Ang pagpaslang sa isang mamamahayag ay hindi lamang pag-atake sa isang tao. Ito ay pag-atake sa demokrasya, katotohanan, at sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na malaman ang totoo," said the boxing legend-turned-poltician.

(The killing of a journalist is not just an attack on one individual. It is an attack on democracy, truth, and the right of every Filipino to know the truth.)

“Maaaring ako’y nagmula sa kahirapan, pero hinding-hindi ko hahayaang maging salat ang ating bansa sa katotohanan, katarungan, at kalayaan. Palagi akong kakampi ng media (I may have come from poverty, but I will never let our nation be deprived of truth, justice, and freedom. I will always be an ally of the media)," Pacquiao said.

"Nanawagan ako sa ating mga tagapagpatupad ng batas at sa sistemang pangkatarungan na kumilos agad at may buong tapang. Ipakita sa mundo na sa Pilipinas, hindi bulag o pipi ang hustisya—lalo na kung ang mga tagapagsalita ng katotohanan ang pinatatahimik,” he said.

(I call on our law enforcers and the justice system to act swiftly and with full courage. Show the world that in the Philippines, justice is neither blind nor silent—especially when truth-tellers are being silenced.)

Pacquiao extended his sympathies to Dayang’s family. He also expressed solidarity with the journalism community, and reaffirmed his long-standing support for press freedom.

As a former senator seeking re-election, the Mindanaoan emphasized the importance of justice, accountability, and defending the voiceless in society.

“Ang malayang pamamahayag ang dugo ng isang malayang bansa. Kapag nahalal, itutulak ko ang mas mahigpit na proteksyon para sa mga mamamahayag, mas mabigat na parusa sa mga umaatake sa kanila, at tuluy-tuloy na pagtatanggol sa kalayaan ng pamamahayag sa lahat ng anyo,” he said.

(Press freedom is the lifeblood of a free nation. If elected, I will push for the stronger protection of journalists, heftier penalties for those who attack them, and an unwavering defense of press freedom in all forms.)

Dayang, a prominent figure in Philippine media, had been a long-time columnist and publisher known for his fearless commentary and defense of democratic principles. He was gunned down inside his abode on April 29.

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