Writing the

SOUL & VOICE

• Describe an editorial and its basic parts
• Determine the structure of a conventional editorial
• Demonstrate critical thinking in organizing ideas
logically in an editorial
• Influence one’s stance on an issue observing the
ethics in journalism
1. Celebration of Holy Week in the Philippines
2. Development of Artificial Intelligence
3. Cancel Culture on Social Media
4. Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program
 Forcing individual jeepney operators to be
sucked into a bigger corporation deprives them of
being their own boss and deliverers of their own fate.
The mandates raise the capital bar by a significant
degree in a way that completely replaces the players
in the PUV industry. With small operators being
banned from participating and foreign manufacturers
gobbling up certifications for their modernized PUVs, it
is not modernization that is happening but a hostile
takeover of the jeepney industry.
 Not all traditions are bad. We have Filipino
traditions of valuing families, for example. However,
some traditions are more peripheral, and others are
more central. What makes hazing a notoriously sticky
problem—we have had incidents of deaths and
injuries from hazing not just in recent times but over
the last century—is confusing hazing as a central
tradition to brotherhood. This is the same mistake as
some have about corporal punishment being central
to good parenting.
◼ A presentation of fact and opinion in a
concise, logical, pleasing order for the sake of
influencing opinion, entertaining, paying
tribute or praise, or interpreting significant
news in such a way that its importance to
average readers will be clear.
◼ Editorials are meant to influence public
opinion, promote critical thinking, and
sometimes cause people to take action on an
issue.
Introduction (First Paragraph)
-newspeg with reaction
• A NEWSPEG is a brief statement about the news
event or issue upon which the editorial is based.
• At least 3 sentences (including the news peg).
• NEWSPEG could be written in the 1st or 2nd
sentence
• The other 2 sentences should be an opinion
about the NEWSPEG.
Introduction (First Paragraph)
-news peg with reaction
Example:
As the school year begins, it is a good time
to talk to the children about bullying.
Bullying is a serious matter.
Introduction
-news peg with reaction
Example:
A certain irony is present in the fact that as
the technology has created a more
connected society, we have become less
certain of the truth and reality.
Example:
While the government scrambles to contain the deadly
corona virus despite imposing a strict nationwide lock downs
at the onset of the pandemic and time-to-time closing of the
country's borders, the escalating issue regarding the decision
of the current administration to choose a less effective and
more expensive vaccine coming from China becomes a
major headache for most Filipino which the government
continues to ignore. It is truly disappointing that the
negligence and incompetence of most of the higher public
officials continue to become a normal in the Philippines'
political setting. And that is more burdensome knowing how
immense the effect would be once this Sinovac vaccine
which Is reported by several countries to have only 50%
efficacy rate proves to be ineffective.
Example:
While the government scrambles to contain the deadly
corona virus despite imposing a strict nationwide lock downs
at the onset of the pandemic and time-to-time closing of the
country's borders, the escalating issue regarding the decision
of the current administration to choose a less effective and
more expensive vaccine coming from China becomes a
major headache for most Filipino which the government
continues to ignore. It is truly disappointing that the
negligence and incompetence of most of the higher public
officials continue to become a normal in the Philippines'
political setting. And that is more burdensome knowing how
immense the effect would be once this Sinovac vaccine
which Is reported by several countries to have only 50%
efficacy rate proves to be ineffective.
Body (Second Paragraph)
- paragraphs that support or justify the reaction
• It explains and analyzes the issue.
• At least 3-4 sentences
• Write your strong EVIDENCE here from the
NEWSPEG
• Then add your opinions based on that
EVIDENCES.
Example:
Recently, Brazil, which was badly hit by the virus, found
that China's Sinovac was only 50.4% effective based on their
clinical trials conducted by the researchers. Comparing to
Pfizer's and Moderna's 95% efficacy and Oxford's 70%, Sinovac
vaccine creates more speculations and anxiety rather than
satisfaction and cure. And these are signs of how people
becomes suspicious of the said vaccine not only because of
its low percent efficacy but the failure of assuring the people
of any further complications. Instead of alleviating the pain
caused by the infections of Covid-19, it will just worsen the
mental and psychological imbalance on them and of the
people who feared that something might happen to them
when this vaccine is injected to their body.
Example:
Recently, Brazil, which was badly hit by the virus, found
that China's Sinovac was only 50.4% effective based on their
clinical trials conducted by the researchers. Comparing to
Pfizer's and Moderna's 95% efficacy and Oxford's 70%,
Sinovac vaccine creates more speculations and anxiety
rather than satisfaction and cure. And these are signs of how
people becomes suspicious of the said vaccine not only
because of its low percent efficacy but the failure of assuring
the people of any further complications. Instead of alleviating
the pain caused by the infections of Covid-19, it will just
worsen the mental and psychological imbalance on them
and of the people who feared that something might happen
to them when this vaccine is injected to their body.
Body (Third Paragraph)
- paragraphs that support or justify the reaction
• It explains and analyzes the issue.
• At least 3-4 sentences
• Add more OPINIONS but with EVIDENCES.
Example:
Moreover, with the kind of decision making this current
government is showing, It is fair to say that turning down
Sinovac will be a much better choice and hope that soon,
leaders would figure out why the people declined to not be
vaccinated. Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque
said in his press briefing that people should not be choosy of
the vaccine however, he overlooked the clear message that
it is not about being picky but the fact that the government
could have chosen something better when all the details
regarding the vaccines are well-spread all over social media
and many health agencies like WHO in particular.
Example:
Moreover, with the kind of decision making this current
government is showing, It is fair to say that turning down
Sinovac will be a much better choice and hope that soon,
leaders would figure out why the people declined to not be
vaccinated. Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque
said in his press briefing that people should not be choosy of
the vaccine however, he overlooked the clear message that
it is not about being picky but the fact that the government
could have chosen something better when all the details
regarding the vaccines are well-spread all over social media
and many health agencies like WHO in particular.
Body (Fourth Paragraph)
- paragraphs that support or justify the reaction
• It explains and analyzes the issue.
• At least 3-4 sentences
• You may contradict your previous opinions
here by citing some facts or reasons.
• But quickly revert to your original stand.
Example:
Nevertheless, the deal on the procurement of Sinovac
vaccine was already approved and in few weeks, the people
has to decide (if they have a choice) whether to accept or
reject the vaccine offered by the government. As Roque said,
the Filipino should just be thankful and stop complaining but
the mere fact that this vaccine could pose more danger in
our health is quite disturbing. Not to mention the domino
effect of Dengvaxia failure where people became hesitant of
taking any vaccine because of its controversy.
Example:
Nevertheless, the deal on the procurement of Sinovac
vaccine was already approved and in few weeks, the people
has to decide (if they have a choice) whether to accept or
reject the vaccine offered by the government. As Roque said,
the Filipino should just be thankful and stop complaining but
the mere fact that this vaccine could pose more danger in our
health is quite disturbing. Not to mention the domino effect of
Dengvaxia failure where people became hesitant of taking
any vaccine because of its controversy.
Body (Fifth Paragraph)
- paragraphs that support or justify the reaction
• It explains and analyzes the issue.
• At least 3-4 sentences
• Discuss your original stand here but mention
more strong evidences.
Example:
Furthermore, what makes it more troubling is the fact
that Sinovac's price is quite expensive compared to other
companies offering the same Covid-19 vaccine. Considering
how the Philippine economy suffered because of the closure
of most businesses due to lockdowns, It is highly impractical
for the government to choose a vaccine that would cost
more but the effect is unsure. To note, Sinovac would cost a
total amount of P3629 for two doses compared to
Astrazeneca's P610 only and Pfizer's P2379. The answer to the
people's resentment is pretty obvious from the figures itself
and it is so frustrating that the government could not see the
glaring difference - the efficacy and market price.
Example:
Furthermore, what makes it more troubling is the fact
that Sinovac's price is quite expensive compared to other
companies offering the same Covid-19 vaccine. Considering
how the Philippine economy suffered because of the closure
of most businesses due to lockdowns, It is highly impractical
for the government to choose a vaccine that would cost
more but the effect is unsure. To note, Sinovac would cost a
total amount of P3629 for two doses compared to
Astrazeneca's P610 only and Pfizer's P2379. The answer to the
people's resentment is pretty obvious from the figures itself
and it is so frustrating that the government could not see the
glaring difference - the efficacy and market price.
Ending (Last Paragraph)
• At least 3-4 sentences
• Summarize the editorial stand with a
striking conclusion
• Write your suggestions /solutions
/recommendations here on how to deal
with the issue
Ending (Last Paragraph)

Example:
Searching for the truth is everyone’s
responsibility and becoming better at
spotting lies and liars must be of utmost
concern.
Ending (Last Paragraph)

Example:
We must collaborate and work hard to
promote kindness both in school and outside
of it.
Example:
Hence, the country needs a solution that does not
compromises the national budget especially in this trying
times where financial support is much needed to recover from
the economic downfall. The huge amount of money that
would and could have been saved out of procuring the
Sinovac vaccine is tantamount to trust and if the government
could find a better way to solve the easiest puzzle, this strong
word could be given back to them. All these leaders should
do is to think practically coming from their heart and mind not
from surge of emotions.
Title/Editorial Head

• Maximum of 4 words. Avoid a

sentence-like structure for your title.
• Your title should already give an
OPINION particularly on your STAND.
 Title/Editorial Head
Examples:
• Bullying: A Serious Matter
• Betrayed Trust
• Dacera Slay: Case Closed?
• Gahaman sa Posisyon
An introduction with a hook and thesis statement
- 50 words

Facts that supports the stand

-150 words

Refute the argument

-50 words

Closing
-50 words
State the problem or situation

State your position

Give evidence to support your position.

State and refute the position of the other side

in the conclusion.

Offer one or two possible solutions to the problem.

1st paragraph - S+P State the situation(news)
with the position (stand)
2nd to 5th paragraph - E Present the evidence in
news form
Last paragraph - C+S State your conclusion and
present feasible solution/
recommendation/
suggestion
1. Explain or interpret
Editors often use these editorials to explain the
way the newspaper covered a sensitive or
controversial subject. School newspapers may
explain new school rules or a particular student-
body effort like hazard mapping.
2. Criticize
These editorials constructively criticize
actions, decisions or situations while providing
solutions to the problem identified. Immediate
purpose is to get readers to see the problem,
not the solution.
3. Persuade
Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately
see the solution, not the problem.
From the first paragraph, readers will be
encouraged to take a specific, positive action.
Political endorsements are good examples of
editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise
These editorials commend people and
organizations for something done well.
They are not as common as the other
three.
1. Avoid using the 1st and 2nd person. Use only the 3rd
person.
2. Completely state the name of a person as you first
mention. Have his/her surname on the next

3. Avoid copying everything from a given fact sheet.

4. Focus only in one theme.

5. See to it that every word counts and serves its purpose .
- Watch a short news video

- Write an editorial based on the

facts and related information as
presented in the video
Checking the editorial written:

1. Is the issue and reaction clearly stated in the

introduction?
2. Is the introduction interest-arousing?
3. Does it contain a news peg?
4. Does it present a clear stand on the issue?
5. Do the given opinions back up by facts?
Checking the editorial written:
6. Are arguments arranged from the most significant to
the least significant?
7. Is it free from any preaching and libelous statement?
8. How does the editorial end?
9. Does the editorial offer a concrete solution to the
problem?
10. Can you easily tell the type of your editorial?
- John B. Oakes, New York Times

“If a newspaper were a living thing, as I think it is, its

news content may be the lifeblood, the front page
may be its face but its editorials – its criticism and
commentary – are its very soul. And when the editorials
are flabby, complacent or irresponsible, then the
newspaper has lost its soul – and also its character.”
Example:
FOI: Kontrapelo ng bantay-salakay

Walang dapat na ipangamba kung malinis ang

konsyensya. Ito ang punto ng pagkakapasa ng Freedom of
Information Law o Executive Order ng FOl Law na pinirmahan
kamakailan ni Pangulong Duterte at siyang sumasaklaw sa
tema ng pampaaralang pamamahayag ngayong taon ayon
sa isang DepEd Memorandum para sa pagsasagawa ng
malawakang Campus Journalism contests. Totoong banta ito
sa mga tiwaling opisyal o sinumang tao sa isang organisasyon
lalo na kung may itinatagong kabulastugan.
Example:
Nilalaman ng naturang bill ang pagpapakita ng
transparency sa anumang transaksyon kaya naman walang
kawala ang sinumang magtatangka na magsinungaling at
magpakabihasa sa korapsyon. Magsisilbing matibay na
ebidensya ito ng midya higit lalo ng campus journalism na
maisiwalat ang anumang anomalyang nangyayari sa bawat
kinabibilangang institusyon maging sa kanilang sariling mga
paaralan. Sa tulong ng FOl ay makikita kung saan iginigugol
ng adminstrasyon ang badyet buwan-buwan katulad ng
mga pondong ibinibigay ng gobyerno, ang MOOE para sa
mga pampublikong paaralan. Ang liquidation report ay
magsisilbing ebidensya ng katiwalian lalo na kapag
malabo ang pagkakalahad ng mga pinagkagastusan.
Example:
Sa kabilang dako, magsisin ya a naman ito ng hidwaan
sa pagitan ng kinauukulan at ng mga mamamahayag
sapagkat bawat galaw ay magiging gwardyado ng batas.
Magdudulot ito ng hindi magandang kalidad ng serbisyo
dahil sa conflict na lilitaw lalo na kapag napatunayan
talagang may nangyayaring anomalya ang sinumang
mamamahayag na nagbabantay dito. Ngunit tatandaan na
higit na malaki ang pakinabang ng FOl na ito upang
bantayan ang bawat galawa ng mga opisyal ng paaralan o
ng isang organisasyon lalo na sa tuwing may mga perang
sangkot.
Example:
Bagamat posible nga ang bangayan ngunit hindi ba't
mas magandang isipin na sa tulong ng batas na ito ay
mapuputol na ang anumang katiwalian sa isang
organisasyon at mas marami pa ang makikinabang sapagkat
tiyak na ang bawat badyet ay mapupunta sa tamang
paglalagyan. Ayon pa dito, anumang impormasyong
hihingiin ng sinumang indibidwal ay kailangang maibigay sa
kanya at hindi pwedeng ipagkait maliban na lamang kung
ito ay makakaapekto sa pambansang seguridad. At sa
tulong ng FOl, walang magagawa ang kinauukulan kahit na
ang adminstrasyon sa paaralan na ibigay ang mga datos na
hihingiin ng isang mamamahayag lalo.na kung ang layunin
niya ay para sa G kapakanan ng mga kapwa mag-aaral.
Example:
Samakatwid, nagiging banta lamang ang FOl sa isang
taong ang tanging alam ay mandaya kaya naman mas
mabuti na sa bawat aksyong isasagawa ay pag-isipan ito
sapagkat maliban sa midya at sa pampaaralang pahayagan
ay maraming nakabantay. Kaya imbes na bantayan ang
sariling kahibangan lalo na sa usapin sa pera ay mas
maganda na ipaubaya na lamang sa may malinis na
konsyensya ang anumang transaksyon sapagkat sa FOl bill,
hindi kayo tatantanan.