MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured journalists and media workers of his administration’s dedication to safeguarding press freedom, emphasizing that reporters should be able to perform their duties free from intimidation or violence.
Speaking during the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected officers of the Malacañang Media Groups on Tuesday, October 13, the Chief Executive highlighted the vital role journalists, photojournalists, and cameramen play in a democratic society.
He noted that the government’s Presidential Task Force on Media Security continues to coordinate safety workshops and strengthen protective measures for media practitioners.
While acknowledging that public officials and journalists may not always see eye to eye, Marcos stressed that differing opinions should not turn them into opponents.
”This administration remains committed to ensuring that our reporters, our photojournalists, and cameramen can perform their duties freely and safely, and without fear of intimidation or violence from anywhere,” Marcos said.
”And of course, we do not always agree on certain things, but that does not make us adversaries. I always see it as partnership between both the media practitioners and those of us who are holding office. Because after all, we all serve the public,” he added.
Marcos also underscored that mutual respect and open communication are essential for a productive working relationship between the government and the press. He encouraged media workers to maintain their dedication to accuracy, reliability, and fairness, noting that their work guides citizens in making informed decisions.
Furthermore, the President warned against the dangers of misinformation in a shifting media landscape, calling on credible journalists to stand as reliable sources of verified truth against fabricated content.
”And therefore, our relationship remains grounded in mutual respect and open dialogue. And it is the only way that I know to have a productive and constructive relationship between the practitioners in the media and with those of us who are in office,” he further said.
He concluded that there must be “a voice that is known and respected to be a purveyor of actual facts and actual news, not fake news, not deepfakes, not AI-created contents.”