COMMUNICATIONS Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday recognized the role of media in ensuring the continued delivery of factual news and information and in increasing public awareness of government’s policies and activities amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Andanar, head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), said without an open and free press, “there will be an intellectual vacuum on public information and government programs and services, and there will be no dialogue on societal issues, public grievances, and government policies.”
He issued this statement as the Duterte administration reaffirmed its commitment to continue to protect the rights and freedom of the members of media in the Philippines as the world commemorated World Freedom Day on Sunday.
World Press Freedom Day is commemorated every May 3 to raise awareness on the importance of press freedom and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
“As the movement of and access to rightful and truthful information are products of the continuous engagement among the government, the press, and the civil society, the Duterte administration aims to protect and maintain this co-existence. With initiatives set in place, such as the Freedom of Information, Presidential Task Force on Media Security and expanded Sotto Law, to protect the life, liberty, and security of media workers, we will continue to endeavor towards the continued promotion of press rights and freedom,” he said.
Andanar said the government acknowledges the important role of the media in the foundation and progress of an informed and empowered society and recognizes the help of the press in creating public awareness in the government’s efforts to contain COVID-19.
He said media not only continues to ensure the delivery of news and information but also serves as a venue for the public to voice out their opinion, and a means to eradicate biased information, misinformation, and fake news.
“Let us work together as well, to eradicate biased information, misinformation, disinformation and fake news that continue to damage not only our society, but the trust and the relationship between the government and the people, a relationship that must be maintained in order for our society to function as a whole,” Andanar said.
He also lauded the media workers for their “heroism, bravery, and service” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Media are among the workers exempted from home quarantine during the lockdown in connection with the coronavirus.
“With these in mind, we pray for the safety of everyone, especially the journalists and media workers currently reporting from the frontlines despite the pandemic,” he said.
