De Lima: Fake news undermines integrity of media industry

As the world celebrate this year’s Press Freedom Day, Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday slammed how the spread of fake news has undermined the integrity of the media industry.

The Senator said fake news “undermines the integrity and tears the fibers of the journalism profession.”

She added that “purveyors of fake news have exerted efforts to discredit established media outfits and personalities so that their lies will prevail.”

“Ngayong araw, muli nating pagnilayan ang kahalagahan ng malayang pamamahayag sa isang malusog na demokrasya. Responsible journalism allows people to make informed opinions on issues, guides their participation in public decisions and address immediate problems and strategic concerns that determine the fate of our nation,” she said.

“Lies, manipulated harassments are the main weapons of fascists and dictators but in the long run, they are no match to truth and democracy,” De Lima added.      /muf