MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on the country’s media organizations to take a more aggressive role in combating disinformation, warning that false narratives pose a growing threat as global tensions — particularly in the Middle East — continue to escalate and impact public perception and decision-making.
Speaking during the oath-taking of new officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) at Malacañang, Marcos underscored the critical role of journalists as the public’s primary defense against misinformation in times of uncertainty.
“In this time of global uncertainty, we lean on to our media to be the bearers of facts, to police abuse, and to be the voice of our people,” he said.
“With the crises and the difficulties and the shocks that the world is providing not only the Philippines but the entire globe, it is more essential than ever that we combat fake news and disinformation,” Marcos Jr. added.
The President stressed that accurate and responsible reporting enables Filipinos to better understand rapidly evolving global and domestic developments, and to access appropriate government assistance when needed.
“And so that our people, as I have mentioned, can make the proper decisions, can go to the right – can go to the right people for assistance, and are knowledgeable about what is available in terms of what help can be provided to them,” he said.
Marcos also acknowledged the risks faced by journalists, noting that the Philippines remains a challenging environment for media practitioners, citing the country’s 116th ranking out of 180 in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
He warned that the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media platforms, has further complicated the media landscape.
“Bilang lingkod-bayan na halos araw-araw na humaharap sa media, nauunawaan ko ang bigat ng inyong trabaho,” he said.
“Hindi madaling magtanong, mag-ulat, at maglahad ng katotohanan — lalo na kung may panganib na kaakibat ito,” he added.
The President reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of journalists and pursuing justice for victims of media-related violence.
“That is why this Administration has made it clear that the safety and welfare of our journalists must be protected at all times,” Marcos Jr. said.
“Sisikapin din namin na makamit ng mga biktima at kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ang hustisya,” he added.
Among the measures cited by the government are strengthened coordination between the Presidential Task Force on Media Security and the National Bureau of Investigation, partnerships with the Public Attorney’s Office, and collaborations between the Department of Information and Communications Technology and major technology firms to curb harmful online content.
The administration is also pushing for greater transparency through initiatives such as the proposed Right to Information Act and the rollout of digital monitoring systems across government agencies.
“Ang lahat ng ito ay para sa ating lipunan at ang pagpapalakas ng ating demokrasya. Kapag malaya ang pamamahayag at madaling makakuha ng tamang impormasyon, mas nagiging bukas ang pamahalaan,” he said.
“Kapag responsable ang pagbabalita, mas nagiging matalino at maayos ang desisyon ng ating mga mamamayan. At kapag naman ay nagtutulungan tayong lahat – ang mediaat ang pamahalaan – mas napapalakas ang ating demokrasya,” Marcos Jr. added./PN
