Address given by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales

(Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales was one of the main speakers at the 2nd Democracy and Disinformation Conference. We are sharing with you her speech before the conference participants.)

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Keynote Speech of Bishop Pablo Virgilio David (Bishop Ambo)

(This is the keynote speech delivered via Skype on April 22, 2019 by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David on the occasion of the 2nd Democracy and Disinformation Conference. Bishop Ambo’s speech was also preceded by a short interview with Patricia Evangelista.)

Truth in the Age of Disinformation
Bishop Ambo David

Some time ago, I saw a film about professional political strategists who do consultancy work for politicians, especially those who are still aspiring for public office. Their work consists basically in packaging their candidate’s campaign in such a way that the public opinion, which they gauge through surveys, is influenced and swayed favorably—meaning, in favor of their candidate.

The opening scene is an interview with the character Jane Bondine (played by Sandra Bullock), being considered for a job. First question is, “Did you ever work for politicians you did not believe in?” (Her answer: “Sure, I could convince myself many things if the price is right.) Second question: “How important is honesty?” (Answer: “Oh, truth is relative in politics. The truth is what I tell the electorate the truth is.”)