MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte told members of media to continue reporting the truth, even if doing so could “destroy” him or his administration.
“What I only ask is simply the truth,” Duterte said in a speech at the Malacañang Palace Wednesday evening.
“If the truth will destroy me, so be it. Do not hesitate to report about it. If the truth will destroy me, that’s the prize of being in public service. But I assure you, it could be something else, except money,” the President added.
Duterte’s statement came days after the Office of Solicitor General filed a quo warranto petition against the legislative franchise of the ABS-CBN before the Supreme Court in what was viewed as an attempt to silence the network.
“While the Constitution upholds the freedom of the press, the function of broadcast is a privilege granted by government. It is imbued with the best interest of the nation and our people. We will not tolerate any abuse of the privilege,” Duterte said.
“I acknowledge the important role of the broadcast media in shaping a nation’s progress (through) responsible dissemination of news and information to our people,” the Chief Executive added.
Duterte also said that his administration would uphold the “equal” protection of media’s rights and safety, as they carry out their mandate to raise public awareness on several issues pressing the country.
“Throughout (our) history, we have seen how mass media in the Philippines has shown its vital role in promoting awareness on various social issues, disseminating critical information and mobilizing for public action in times of natural disasters and calamities, and in ensuring accountability in government and other social institutions,” Duterte said./PN
