Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the media to intensify cooperation with his administration in combating the spread of fake news, which he said has evolved from an online nuisance into a serious threat. Speaking with members of the Malaca±ang Press Corps in a year-end fellowship at Malaca±an Palace in Manila on Wednesday night, Marcos said misinformation has become alarmingly prevalent, undermining public discourse and decision-making as it drowns out journalists' fact-based reporting.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos expressed concern over the growing impact of misinformation and disinformation, which he noted have taken up too much space in public discourse. He lamented that years of journalistic training and expertise are now being equated with unfounded conspiracy theories on social media platforms. Initially perceived as entertaining, fake news has now become damaging, requiring urgent attention and action.
Marcos cautioned that misinformation is shaping public sentiment, fueling confusion, and creating an environment where factual reporting struggles to compete with sensational or fabricated narratives. He warned of the potential consequences if the trend is not addressed, emphasizing the importance of ensuring people remain connected to reality.
The President stressed that collaboration between the government and media is essential to effectively counter misinformation. He underscored the role of the media in encouraging the public to be more discerning about the information they consume and believe. Marcos emphasized the importance of journalists' credibility and institutional roles in rebuilding an informed citizenry capable of filtering out manipulative content.
Expressing optimism, Marcos highlighted the strong working relationship between his administration and the media since he took office in 2022. He thanked Palace reporters for their dedication and efforts in maintaining this partnership, which he believes is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by misinformation.
