PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday highlighted the role of the media amid the proliferation of fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
During the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of various media groups in Malacanang, the President called on journalists to continue adhering to the ethical and professional standards of journalism and to be at the forefront of the drive for accurate information.
Marcos said that in the current age of information and technology, the media’s dedication to speaking about the truth on matters of national importance and promoting objectivity in the face of conflicting views is invaluable.
“I ask that you continue to adhere to the utmost ethical and professional standards of journalism–free from sensationalism, bias, and personal motives. Help us see and address the weaknesses of our system, and continue to uphold our nation’s best interests so that our country can continue to flourish,” he said.
He also urged the media to continue aiding the public, especially in making wise decisions and discerning the truth from what is fake and untrue.
“Your persistent efforts have aided us in shaping a more enlightened and empowered citizenry–one that is more than capable of joining our pursuit of a stronger Bagong Pilipinas. So, as you fulfill your mandate, I urge you to remain at the forefront of our efforts in helping our people distinguish truth from misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation,” he said.
The President said that in this age of technology and social media, anyone can post anything and give their opinion even if one is not an expert or an authority on the issue or, worse, does not have the facts.
Marcos said some even do the craziest thing just to get more followers, unlike the media who continue to verify and double-check details of their story before they are printed or aired.
“The mass, the volume of information is so much because of our technological advances. It is so much that we must play a part in trying to help ordinary readers, citizens to discern what is news, what is propaganda, and what is just outright fakery. And that is where we stand,” he said.
The President also called for the strengthening of the government’s partnership with the media, adding that “we need media to be there. Government would not function as well as it does without the media.
“If unfettered, government can go in any direction and we need, once in a while, a watchdog to say, look, look, look, you are going too far this way, you’ve made a mistake here, and makes us think, make us reexamine what we have done and perhaps take into account what has been said by our media practitioners,” he said adding that he is always open and listens to those who are critical of his administration, including the media.
Marcos also assured the journalists of the government’s unwavering commitment to making the Philippines a safe haven for journalists and media practitioners.
“There is no place for violence against the media in Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
During the event, the President administered the oath of newly elected officers of the National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Malacañang Press Corps (MPC), Malacañang Cameramen Association (MCA), and the Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA).
