The Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA) has firmly denied circulating allegations that photographs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the April 9 Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration were reused from last year’s event.
In a statement issued on April 10, the group stressed that the claims were baseless and that the images in question were taken during this year’s ceremony.
“Such false narratives undermine the credibility of professional photojournalists and weaken public trust in the field of journalism,” the PPA said.
The association explained that its member photojournalists are accredited professionals affiliated with established news organizations, bound by strict editorial guidelines and ethical standards.
According to the group, all published images undergo verification, proper captioning, and editorial review before release.
The PPA emphasized that its photographers were physically present at the event site, working under demanding conditions to capture moments of national importance.
It also warned that misuse of its photographs—especially when paired with misleading captions or false context—could lead to legal consequences under the Revised Penal Code, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
The organization clarified that its statement was not meant to support or criticize any individual or institution, but rather to defend the integrity of photojournalism and uphold factual reporting standards.
It added that distorting documentation of the Araw ng Kagitingan observance dishonors the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Finally, the PPA urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation, verify sources, and rely on credible media outlets for accurate reporting.