Chapter 34 -News Editor at AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE, Manila Bureau

In mid - 1966 I joined and worked with Agence France Presse (French News Agency), an International News Agency’s Manila Bureau.

That time there were four international news agencies providing national, regional and world news to Asia – United Press International (UPI), Associated Press (AP) both from the United States, Reuters from Great Britain and Agence France Presse (AFP), from France.

These four International news agencies operating in the US and Europe have great power. They help build the world's mind and thinking. The International news agencies control worlds public opinion.

I had limited training in news writing work. We developed in proofreading jobs, but with limited experience in news editing. I was not good at English. Writing was always a struggle and hard work for me.

While doing proofreading at the Philippines Herald, I was always invited by other Page Editors to assist them when their assistant was on vacation leave or doing other work. They asked Mr. Bote Bautista to allow me to assist the other Pages Editors -- Business Editor, Travel Editor, Foreign News Editor and Sports News Editor. I was never invited to assist the Women's Editor Page. I enjoyed my work as Proof Reader. I was invited always by other page editors to assist them. I was also given a love gift.

One day a friend who work with Agence France Presse, Ed Magtoto visited me. We had a good conversation. Often, he visited me and we have cup of coffee at the Herald’s canteen. That morning, Ed Magtuto came with a good news. He said, "Rudy, there is a vacancy at Agence France Presse. Only one vacancy. We are looking for another News Editor. Kit Tatad, the Senior Editor has resigned two days ago. Mr. Vincent Lateve asked me to find someone to replace him. I have not told yet anyone of the vacancy. If you want, you apply. Come tomorrow. Bring all your needed documents.

"If you apply, come to the office tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. I will introduce you to Mrs. Trinidad, our Office Manager. The job offers more opportunities to cover news for international audience. The job is News Editing”. I thought, the job offered was much better than proofreading.

I prayed for God's guidance. “Lord, please help me. I like this job and opportunities it offers me.” The following day, I went to the Office of Agence France Presse (AFP). with application letters and other needed documents. Agence France Presse office was in a room at the 2nd Floor of Manila Chronicles building in Intramuros. Manila Chronicles is owned by the rich and influential Lopez family. During that time, they ran about 30 different corporations in the country

Fernando Lopez was active political leader. He served as senator. This time he was Vice President of the Philippines. The Philippine Presidency was just in the corner. Vice Pres. Fernando Lopez was preparing himself for the challenge. He was ready to be President of the Philippines the coming elections. The Chronicles Printing Press was busy producing elections propaganda materials, including sample ballots for distribution during election campaigns.

At Agence France Presse that morning, I was introduced by Mr. Magtoto to Mr. Vincent Lateve and Mrs. Trinidad. Mr. Lative was a toll, a middle- aged Frenchman. He came to Manila as Correspondent of AFP. He took the place of Teodoro (Teddy) Benigno did not return to his job as Manager of AFP. He was appointed Press Secretary by President Cory Aquino.

I had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Lative. He accepted me as the newest editor of AFP. One thing I remembered of him, after some discussion during my interview, he said, “Rudy, you have a good and clear speaking voice. These will be important when you make interviews”. I smiled and extended my hands for a handshake. I remembered his words. ”Rudy, you have a good and clear speaking voice.” I thought, my years of practicing deep breathing paid off. When I was young, I had a squeaky and feminine voice. Then, he referred me to Mrs. Trinidad, Assistant Manager to give me further instructions and details of my work.

Mrs. Trinidad informed me of other AFP news Editors' works. She gave me information of other AFP News Editors. Their time and assignments. She asked me if I can start work in 3 days. I am really needed.

I immediately resigned from the Philippines Herald. I went to the Herald Editor, Mr. Gaerlan. I gave him my resignation letter. He looked at me and said, ” Why Rudy? I told him I will work as News Editor for Agence France. Mr. Gaerlan extended his hand. He nodded his head. I thanked Mr. Gaerlan for accommodating me with the Herald. Three days later, I am with Agence France Presse. I started my work as News Editor.

I think I was not only lucky. There was a force that guided me. God is guiding me. I am now the News Editor of an International News Agency. Soon, I will be assigned to interview top people in government, diplomats, Senators and politicians. What, if I did not decide to study in high school? A new opportunity has opened. I thanked God for His help and guidance. God was guiding my way in life.

We were seven AFP staff at Agence France Presse. Mr. Vincent Lateve, International Correspondent and Manager. Mrs. Trinidad, Assistant Manager and in charge of Philippine Features write-ups for national and international release. Ruben Alabastro, Senior Editor and Assistant Correspondent; Edgar Sibal, Assistant News Editor, Mr. Ed Magtoto, News Editor and of course now, Rudy Bernal, News Editor.

There were 3 teletypists that manage the reception and transmission of news. The 3 teletype machines worked 24 hours a day, receiving news from around the world. There was also an installed Telegram Machine, where we send telegram messages, very fast if needed. We looked at all the incoming news. We looked at news that were of interest to Southeast Asia, and immediately transmit to it Singapore, where they were redistributed to Southeast Asia cities.

At AFP I discovered the power of Teletype and Cables machines. Every minute the Teletype machines spewed news items coming from all over the world. Those with interest to Filipinos were transmitted to newspapers, radio and TV stations all over the Philippines. These were wonders of mass communication. I never thought of things like these, while taking care of our 3 carabaos when I was in grade school.

Mr. Vincent Lateve and Ruben Alabastro prepared and wrote the news for Southeast Asia. The news for the world were released three times a day, in the morning, noon and in the evenings..

News service works were an exciting job. When news in the Philippines broke with international interests we at AFP had to work fast, so we can transmit a bit faster than any other news agemcies for a few minutes. This is true, specially for radio news casts. International news is highly competitive jobs. A minute ahead of other news agencies means good business. It was a work that carries discipline, fast action and hard challenges.

The news editor I replaced at Agence Frence Presse was Francisco (Kit) Tatad. He resigned from AFP and joined Manila Daily Bulletin as columnist. Kit Tatad was a very good writer and columnist. On many occasions while covering diplomats who arrived or who were leaving Manila Kit Tatad was always there. I only come and covered events when Ruben Alabastro, Senior News Editor was busy and sent me to the event. We were often at the Press Lounge of Manila International Airport for Press briefings. I listened always carefully, as Kit Tatad asked questions during interviews. I tried to study and learn his style and methods of asking questions to high ranking diplomats that arrived or went out of the country.

Kit Tatad continued working as Manila Bulletin columnist for several years. Then, President Ferdinand Marcos appointed him Press Secretary. Then he was appointed Public Information Director. He became the official spokesman of President Ferdinand Marcos. He was transformed from a newspaper columnist to be the powerful voice of the President of the Philippines.

When President Marcos declared martial law, Secretary Francisco Tatad read the Martial Law declaration for the newspapers, radio and televisions. I remembered, it seemed to me, Kit Tatad’s lips quivered and his hands trembled a bit, as he read the Martial Law declaration.

That was a defining moment in the Philippines. In other countries, a similar situation brought upheavals and revolutions that toppled governments.

1Wilson D Guanzon

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