What Makes News Credible? My Take as a Veteran Journalist

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than the truth and clickbait headlines often drown out verified facts, the question “What makes news credible?” becomes not just relevant—but urgent.

As a veteran journalist with years navigating both mainstream and alternative media, I’ve seen the best and worst of journalism. I've watched stories uplift nations and expose the rotten core of systems, but I’ve also seen falsehoods destroy lives in mere seconds. This lived experience gives me the grounding to speak firmly, and from the heart, about what defines credible news—and why it matters more now than ever.

1. Truth Over Trend: The Soul of Journalism

At its core, credible news is truthful, not just trending. It’s built not on popularity metrics, but on verified information, fact-checked data, and balanced perspectives. Credibility stems from the relentless pursuit of the truth, even if it’s unpopular, inconvenient, or buried beneath layers of manipulation.

Too often, outlets sacrifice truth at the altar of virality. But journalism must not be a slave to algorithms. It must serve the people.

2. Sources That Speak—and Stand—With Integrity

The backbone of any credible story lies in its sources. Are they experts? Are they primary witnesses? Are they identified and verifiable?

Anonymous sources may have their place in protecting lives or whistleblowers—but consistent anonymity breeds doubt. A credible journalist makes the effort to validate, cross-check, and corroborate. We don’t parrot information—we interrogate it.

3. Balance Is Not Bias: Presenting All Sides Fairly

Credibility doesn't mean neutrality—it means fairness. A credible report presents multiple sides of a story without equating lies with facts. As journalists, we are not stenographers. We contextualize, challenge, and clarify.

When the facts lean heavily to one side—like in climate change, human rights abuses, or proven corruption—we owe it to the public to report the weight of truth without dilution.

4. Transparency Builds Trust

In an age where AI can write articles and fake videos can mimic world leaders, transparency becomes a cornerstone of credibility.

A trustworthy news outlet discloses its affiliations, potential conflicts of interest, and corrections when errors occur. It doesn't hide behind vague editorial choices. It shows the audience how conclusions were reached. It owns up when it falters. This humility is not weakness—it’s strength.

5. Independence from Influence

Corporate sponsors. Political backers. Agenda-driven funders.

These forces lurk behind many platforms that appear neutral. A credible journalist must recognize this and resist it. Independence means being able to question authority, expose wrongdoing, and highlight uncomfortable truths—even if it means standing alone.

I've faced backlash for calling out both government and corporate misconduct. But truth is not partisan. It is loyal only to the people.

6. A Journalist’s Reputation is Their Currency

As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, I carry the weight of every article, every quote, and every claim we publish. Credibility is not built in a day—it’s forged through years of consistent, honest work. And it can be shattered in a single false report.

My reputation—as a communicator, as a Filipino, as a steward of public trust—is the most valuable asset I own. That’s why I guard it fiercely. It’s why every news story I publish is one I stand behind fully.

7. The Role of Critical Media Literacy

But let’s be clear: the responsibility doesn't lie with journalists alone. Audiences must also sharpen their discernment. We must educate our communities to ask:

Who is behind this story?

Is it fact or opinion?

What’s the source, and is it credible?

Empowering the public to be critical readers is essential in the fight against fake news.

Conclusion: The Sacred Duty We Share

In this age of disinformation, credible journalism becomes a revolutionary act.

It holds the powerful accountable. It protects the marginalized. It informs democracy and gives voice to those otherwise unheard. And as journalists, we are not mere storytellers—we are custodians of truth.

I have committed my life to this calling not because it's easy, but because it's necessary. And now, more than ever, we must stand firm, clear-eyed, and courageous.

Credibility is not just what makes news trustworthy. It’s what makes journalism matter.

Why I Advocate for Transparency, Tourism & Truth in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world that thrives on perception, where narratives can be twisted to favor the powerful and silence the oppressed, I stand for three unwavering pillars: Transparency, Tourism, and Truth.

This is not a mere advocacy—it is my life’s mission, forged through years of navigating the blurred lines between media manipulation and honest storytelling. As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, I have witnessed both the best and worst of what our nation has to offer. And from that vantage point, I have chosen to be a voice that challenges, celebrates, and confronts.

Transparency: Illuminating the Shadows

Transparency is not just about revealing facts—it is about reclaiming power from those who use secrecy as a weapon. In the Philippines, corruption hides in plain sight, camouflaged by bureaucracy, red tape, and a culture of silence. Too often, government initiatives are launched with pomp and promise, only to fizzle into footnotes in audit reports or half-hearted implementation.

I have spoken out against anomalies, called out the complacent, and shed light on the questionable decisions of both public and private sectors. This isn't rebellion—it is accountability. Because the Filipino people deserve to know where their taxes go, who they voted for, and whether promises are fulfilled or forgotten. True patriotism is not blind loyalty—it is demanding better from those entrusted with power.

Tourism: Rediscovering Our Worth

Why does a country as breathtaking as the Philippines remain underrated on the global stage? It is not for lack of beauty—we have pristine beaches, mystical mountains, and a heritage as colorful as our festivals. The problem lies in poor governance, lack of infrastructure, and the neglect of local communities who are the real custodians of our cultural treasures.

I advocate for inclusive and sustainable tourism that doesn’t just bring in revenue but uplifts the people behind the experience—local artisans, fishermen, farmers, guides, and small business owners. I organize Influencers' Tours across the provinces to amplify their stories. I feature destinations not as paid advertisements, but as authentic narratives of pride and struggle.

Tourism must be more than Instagrammable moments. It should be a movement of rediscovery and national unity. Every Filipino must feel that they are part of something bigger—that their province, dialect, or tradition matters.

Truth: The Final Frontier

In a digital era plagued by misinformation, the truth has become a rare currency. I have seen how fake news can topple reputations, fuel division, and distract from the real issues. But I have also witnessed how one honest story can spark a movement.

That is why Wazzup Pilipinas is not just a blog or a media outlet—it is a platform for truth. We challenge trends, investigate claims, and give voice to the unheard. Whether it’s exposing the greed of an association president or uncovering environmental threats buried beneath PR stunts, we do not flinch. Because in a country where truth is often sold to the highest bidder, we choose to give it away—freely and fearlessly.

The Cost of Conviction

This advocacy has not been without consequences. I’ve been threatened, silenced, and ridiculed. But I’ve also been empowered by every reader who resonates with our call, every community that thanks us for shedding light on their plight, and every young Filipino who chooses to stand for integrity instead of convenience.

I do this not because it is easy—but because it is necessary. For my children. For your children. For the future of a nation that has long been deceived into believing it is helpless.

In Closing: The Revolution Begins with Us

I advocate for transparency because it is the seed of trust.

I advocate for tourism because it is the soul of our identity.

I advocate for truth because it is the only path to real freedom.

Let us be the generation that rewrites the narrative of the Philippines—not with spin, but with substance. Not with pretense, but with purpose.

If we demand transparency, support meaningful tourism, and uphold truth as sacred, then perhaps, finally, we will rise—not just as a nation, but as a united people, worthy of our flag’s promise.

BIR files 8.7B Tax Evasion Cases against multiple Large-Scale Illicit Vape Businesses

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), headed by Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal charges against illicit vape businesses bearing the brand names Flava, Denkat and Flare, for evading Php8,681,028,850.82 in taxes. The charges were filed the morning of April 29, 2025.

"Today, the BIR has filed criminal cases for tax evasion against large-scale illicit vape businesses. They have failed to pay 8.7 Billion pesos in taxes. We have warned all those who want to enter the vape industry to register with the BIR and pay proper taxes. This is what happens when you keep violating our tax laws." Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The criminal charges include unlawful possession of vape products without payment of excise tax under Section 263, tax evasion under Section 254, failure to file excise tax returns under Section 255, all in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.  The recovery of deficiency excise taxes and penalties which have not been paid by the illicit vape traders amounting to almost 9 Billion Pesos are included in the criminal charges filed by the BIR.

"Expect more criminal cases to be filed against illicit vape traders. Whether your business is large or small, as long you sell illicit vape, you will be imprisoned. Celebrities and influencers found to be in conspiracy with illicit vape traders will also be imprisoned. Illicit vape ends now." Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The filing of criminal charges against illicit vape retailers/resellers is part of Commissioner Lumagui's intensified war against illicit vape traders in the country. Aside from the tireless raids conducted by the BIR, Commissioner Lumagui has incessantly reminded the public to report all stores with illicit vape.   

Also, with the rampant sale of illicit vape products, CIR Lumagui reminds all promoters and advertisers of vape products to be responsible in promoting only vape products which are legitimate and tax compliant.  Otherwise, appropriate legal actions will also be filed against them.