Marcos open to listening to detractors, media

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —Official Facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office

MANILA, Philippines – President Marcos on Tuesday vowed to listen to criticism from his detractors and the media as they “might be right.”

In his speech during the oath-taking of several media groups in Malacañang, Marcos also urged the press to help Filipinos distinguish among “what is news, what is propaganda and what is outright fakery.”

“I always say, when there are reports and people who are critical of my administration. And people say, ‘Why do you listen to that? That just puts you in a bad mood.’ I say, ‘They might be right.’ There’s a chance that, despite being critical of you, maybe one guy is right,” he said.

READ: Marcos Jr. vows to support, protect rights of media

He went on: “So, I listen to everything. Don’t shoot the messenger. If they really believe what they’re saying, then think about it, maybe he’s right.”

According to him, this is why the government needs the media as a “partner” and as a watchdog that will provide checks and balances for the government to function well.

At the same time, he cited the need to “balance this new technology of social media with the responsibilities of the Fourth Estate,” referring to television, radio, print, and online media entities.

Discerner of truth

Because of technological advancements, the media should “play a part in trying to help ordinary readers and citizens to discern what is news, what is propaganda, and what is just outright fakery,” the President said.

He reminded the media to fulfill its mandate and “remain at the forefront of our efforts in helping our people distinguish truth from misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.”

The President led the oath-taking of newly elected officers of the National Press Club, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, Malacañang Press Corps, Malacañang Cameramen Association, and Presidential Photojournalists Association.