Duterte: Broadcasting is a privilege

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday that broadcasting is a privilege granted by the government, and he would not tolerate any abuse of this privilege.

Duterte made the statement as he addressed the Kapisan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, whose officers took their oath before him.

Duterte did not directly address the issue over the Office of the Solicitor General’s attempt to void the franchise of media giant ABS-CBN and the House of Representatives’ refusal to hear its bill seeking to renew the franchise set to expire next month.

ABS-CBN has been the frequent target of the President’s tirades and while discussing its franchise, he once said he would “see to it that you’re out.”

In his speech, Duterte said that 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 of the people. We will not tolerate any abuse of the privilege,” he said.

He also said government officials should not begrudge anything that is publicized about them in the performance of their duties.

All he asks is that what is published about him be the truth, even if it would hurt him.

“All I ask is simply the truth. If the truth will destroy me, so be it,”he said.

Being destroyed by the truth is the price of being a public servant, he added.

Duterte also acknowledged the important role of the broadcast media in shaping the nation’s progress.

“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,”he said.

He assured the KBP that the administration would uphold the equal protection of their rights and your safety in the performance of duties.