MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged journalists to remain at the forefront of the fight against “fake news” and continue adhering to the most ethical and professional standards of journalism.
“I ask that you continue to adhere to the utmost ethical and professional standards of journalism —free from sensationalism, bias, and personal motives,” Marcos said during the oathtaking of newly-elected officers of various media groups at the Malacañan Palace.
“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 added.
Marcos also acknowledged the critical role of the media in the grand-task of nation building, especially in helping the public make informed decisions.
“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 with the rise of social media, it has “become harder and harder” for ordinary citizens to “discern what is fake news, what is real news, what is propaganda, what is pure objective information”.
“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,” he said.
Marcos led the oathtaking of the newly elected officers of the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Malacañang Press Corps (MPC), Malacañang Cameraman Association (MCA), and Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA).
Before ending his speech, the Chief Executive assured the journalists of the government’s unwavering commitment to make the Philippines a safe haven for media practitioners. (PNA)