Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday pledged to strengthen government mechanisms aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of media workers and intensifying the fight against misinformation and disinformation. During the oath-taking of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Board of Trustees at Malaca±an Palace in Manila, Marcos underscored the importance of continued and closer collaboration with media stakeholders to enhance transparency in government and uphold democracy in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated that media organizations and practitioners play a significant role in combatting fake news, emphasizing that his administration views them as 'bearers of facts' as 'voice of [the] people especially amid global geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.' He highlighted the essential need to combat fake news and disinformation amid global crises and challenges, which would enable the public to better address and mitigate the effects of these difficulties.
Marcos emphasized the necessity for the government's collaboration with media workers to keep the public informed of the true state of affairs in the country and globally. He stressed the importance of informed decision-making and accessing the right sources for assistance based on accurate information.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by journalists, Marcos pointed out that the Philippines remains a dangerous place for media professionals, referencing the 2025 World Press Freedom Index where the country ranked 116th out of 180. He noted that this ranking reflects the country's complex media landscape but assured that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of journalists.
Marcos mentioned the efforts of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, which has partnered with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Public Attorney's Office to combat violence and threats against media workers and provide legal services. Additionally, the Department of Information and Communications Technology's collaboration with Google and Meta aims to bolster content safeguards.
To combat misinformation, the Presidential Communications Office has signed a memorandum of understanding with print media to create a rapid-response system against disinformation, promoting transparency and accountability. The proposed Right to Information Act has also been included in the LEDAC Common Legislative Agenda for the 20th Congress.
Finally, the induction of new KBP Board of Trustees members underscores its role as a trade organization and self-regulatory body in the evolving media environment shaped by digital transformation. Established in April 1973, the KBP has spent over 52 years enhancing broadcasting and journalism standards in the Philippines.
