PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday reminded media members to always uphold the truth, accuracy, fairness, and transparency and strive to make a positive impact on the people’s lives.
Duterte, on the observance of the World Press Freedom Day, also reaffirmed his commitment to promote press freedom and to protect media practitioners from “all forms of threat and intimidation so that they may fully serve the best interest of our people.”
In a vide message, Duterte recognized that press freedom is a public good and an indispensable requirement in a vibrant democracy.
He said press freedom is also a vital component and indicator of progress.
“Cognizant of the ever changing communication system these days, may the mass media also uphold fairness and transparency while also making a positive impact on the people’s lives,” he said.
He said the power of communication should be used in nation-building and in nurturing a better informed citizenry for a brighter future for everyone.
Duterte said it is important to ensure the integrity and safety of the press and reminded “both traditional and emerging media” to be strong in its commitment to upholding truth and accuracy, especially at this time of the digital age where information is created and shared rapidly.
He said the media, as the messenger, must also be protected from all forms of threat and intimidation.
Communication Secretary Martin Andanar said an “open, free, and pluralistic press” remains vital to a democratic, informed, and empowered society such as in the Philippines.
Andanar said the media plays a key role in preventing people from being unaware of essential and life-saving information and government programs and services, to which the situation we are all in currently calls for.
Andanar said at this time of the digital age, it is important to eradicate biased information, disinformation, and fake news that are damaging not only to society, but also to the trust and relationship between the government and the people.
