Marcos lauds journalists’ courage in unbiased reporting
MANILA, Philippines — On World Press Freedom Day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended journalists for their unbiased reporting, saying that their work was crucial.
In an X post, Marcos said that journalists must be celebrated for their fairness.
READ: World Press Freedom Day and the environment
“In Bagong Pilipinas, we celebrate our journalists for their courage in conveying unbiased reports, and we rely on them to continue being the stalwarts of truth and transparency,” he said.
“As the fourth pillar of our democracy, their words serve as our strongest defense against misinformationn and fake news. Now, more than ever, their commitment to their work is crucial,” Marcos added.
In Bagong Pilipinas, we celebrate our journalists for their courage in conveying unbiased reports, and we rely on them to continue being the stalwarts of truth and transparency.
As the fourth pillar of our democracy, their words serve as our strongest defense against… pic.twitter.com/ig8IZAsbEK
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) May 3, 2024
In a separate message, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also said it was committed to upholding press freedom in the country.
The Palace communications arm said it recognized the challenges that reporters face, adding that the Marcos admin was committed to creating an environment where reporters could do their work.
“Guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to defend press freedom, protect media workers, and support journalists in their mission to fight misinformation, disinformation, and malign influence, PCO shall be a partner to a free, independent, and responsible press in ensuring that these commitments are delivered and sustained,” said the PCO.
However, the Philippines has slid down two spots in the World Press Freedom Index by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
On its website, the RSF said that Philippine media is still dynamic despite the targeted harassment of journalists since the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
