Marcos vows to double efforts to protect journalists

MANILA, Philippines — The government is “doubling down” on its duty to protect Filipino journalists and uphold press freedom in the country, President Marcos said on Friday.

In his speech at the 50th anniversary of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc., Marcos acknowledged the role of the organization as “vigilant” vanguards of communities and “tireless” defenders of press freedom.

“We celebrate not just the pages that you have printed, but the values you upheld with every word, every story and every truth you fought hard to tell,” the President said.

“After all, the true measure of journalism is not just about telling stories and writing headlines, it is about standing firm even when the ground beneath you begins to shake,” he said.

Marcos also paid tribute to Filipino journalists who were killed in the last two years, including Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon and Cresenciano Bundoquin.

“They are not just names in a report; they are faces with families, colleagues and communities that grieve their loss,” Marcos said.

“All our efforts to bring them justice are a testament to the belief that no story, however dangerous, is too small or too insignificant to be told,” he said.

The Philippines slipped two places on the World Press Freedom Index for 2024 by Paris-based organization Reporters Without Borders, ranking 134th out of 180 countries and territories.

Marcos also emphasized the crucial role played by journalists in the fight against “a different kind of enemy.”

“Misinformation, cyber libel threats, the relentless pressures of the digital age have added layers of complexity in ensuring press freedom. Every post, every share, every careless click – these are the new battlegrounds,” the President said.

“From the anonymous troll farms to the deliberate spread of conspiracy theories, this fight has evolved far beyond the newsroom, it is now in the palm of every hand that scrolls through social media,” he said.

Marcos said journalists have the duty to protect the sanctity of facts even as he urged media workers not to waver in the face of challenges.

“Let us stand together for truth,” he said.

The government, he said, has initiated the media and information literacy campaign to equip the public, especially the youth, with the skills to critically evaluate the information they consume to help fight misinformation and disinformation.

“Together, let us foster responsible journalism, for we know that more than a democratic ideal, it is a necessity for an informed and empowered citizenry to make the proper, intelligent, well-informed decisions about their leaders, about their situation, about their condition,” the Chief Executive said.

“As we mark this golden milestone, I urge you to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a journalist. Innovate. Adapt. But never compromise your principles,” he said.