President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on the Philippine media to help his administration in its efforts to step up its campaign to inform the public of the government’s policies, programs, and achievements.
Mr. Marcos made the call as he led the oath-taking of the newly elected Officers and Board of Trustees of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on Friday.
In a ceremony held at the President’s Hall of Malacañan Palace, Mr. Marcos reiterated his vow to protect the rights of media workers in the country, the Office of the President (OP) said in a Facebook post.
“PBBM (Marcos) acknowledged the media’s contributions and stated on different occasions that their rights would be upheld and protected,” the OP said.
“The President also urged the media to help the government effectively communicate government efforts.”
Established on April 27, 1973, the KBP is a non-government and non-profit organization of the broadcast media in the Philippines, which aims to promote responsible and free broadcast media, as well as help its members maintain a relevant role in Philippine society.
The KBP also seeks the enhancement of broadcasters’ public service, the advancement of broadcasting innovation, and the development of Philippine broadcast media.
During the President’s Night organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City on October 5, Mr. Marcos promised to put a premium on the welfare of the media, expressing his willingness to lend an ear and listen to all their concerns.
He made the vow as he acknowledged the media’s proactive participation in keeping the public “well-informed.”
The President also recognized the crucial role of the press in improving access to information and raising awareness of pressing issues.
On Thursday, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) expressed confidence that the efforts of the Marcos administration to safeguard media freedom would come to fruition.
The PTFoMS said it is “only a matter of time” before the Philippines is removed from the annual Global Impunity Index of the press freedom watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists.
