Ateneo recognizes journalists, public servants

Veteran investigative journalist Marites Dañguilan-Vitug expected “intense reactions" to her book scrutinizing the Supreme Court justices. True enough, two days before the book was released on March 16, 2010, Supreme Court Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco filed a P1 million libel case against her, but for an article published in a news website. Still, Vitug forged ahead despite various setbacks including her publisher’s last minute pull-out. Come July 21, the Ateneo de Manila University will recognize “her courageous work as an investigative journalist… and for demanding accountability in light of instances of inequality and social injustice." The Ateneo Board of Trustees will add Vitug’s name to this year’s honor roll of awardees that lists another veteran journalist, a former Supreme Court justice, a government official, and an indigenous rights group. Vitug, board chairperson of investigative journalism website Newsbreak, made headlines last year with her book, “Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court." It probed the conduct and lives of the magistrates of the high court, who are subjected to less public scrutiny compared to their counterparts in other branches of government. Following the suit, international media watchdogs called for an investigation into the death threats that Vitug started receiving within the month her book came out. The university also highlighted Vitug’s work, not only in exposing the judiciary, but for her body of work dealing with the environment, politics and violence in Mindanao. Two media vanguards and an NGO Vitug and columnist-sociologist Randy David will both receive the Ozanam award, named after Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Conference of Charity, known now as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. According to the Ateneo website, nominees for the award are individuals who have manifested in his or her life “a fidelity and loyalty to the Church and country, and concern for wider social good." David writes a weekly column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and was a television show host. He was cited for his “journalistic style [which] exemplifies very balanced and well-thought out views that shed light on important aspects of current events… and for being a professional-for-others." “Professional-for-others" is adapted from the Atenean motto, “Man for Others" for the Christian ideal of sacrifice. Ilawan Foundation meanwhile will be conferred the Parangal Lingkod Sambayanan Award for its work with indigenous communities. Integrity, government service Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director-general Lilia de Lima will receive the Government Service Award. She was cited for “effective and responsible administration of a government institution." De Lima was first appointed by President Fidel V. Ramos to the PEZA position in 1995. Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Lorenzo Relova will receive the Lux-in-Domino Award for being a “paragon of integrity" during the Marcos era. Lux in Domino is Latin for “light in the Lord." The award is given to Ateneo alumni whose lives achieved the university’s ideals. Relova will be the 23rd recipient of the award, joining the likes of former Senator Raul Manglapus and freedom fighter Evelio Javier, the first recipient of the award. — VS, GMA News