House Speaker Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the House of Representatives of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez called on broadcasters to continue their fight against misinformation and disinformation.
Romualdez made the pronouncement after a video, dismissed by the Presidential Communications Office as a “deepfake” video, of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supposedly ordering an attack on China surfaced online.
“We recognize its indispensable role in our democracy – as a reliable source of truth and a facilitator of informed public discourse … Your role as custodians of truth is imperative in countering misinformation and upholding the public trust,” Romualdez said, speaking before officials and members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP).
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According to Romualdez, with the era marked by a redefinition of the media landscape due to evolving technology, “the integrity of our broadcasters is more crucial than ever.”
“As you navigate these shifts – where liquid crystal displays have taken over cathode ray tubes, and digital content challenges traditional primetime – I urge you to remain steadfast,” Romualdez said.
“In this light, I appeal to the KBP to continue policing its ranks vigilantly. It is essential to actively weed out those who compromise on the ethics of truthful reporting and to set an example that resonates not just within our shores but across the global stage,” he added.
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Speaker Romualdez then pledged the full support of the House of Representatives to the KBP in its commitment to facilitate progress and contribute to nation-building.
He also vowed to improve transparency within the industry and to broaden the scope of its operations, ensuring more accessible access to credible platforms for all Filipinos to voice their aspirations.
“Additionally, we are focused on advancing legislation to protect and empower media practitioners, enabling you to perform your duties safely and without undue interference,” he noted.