Manila, Philippines, August 30, 2024 – GMA Network, in collaboration with some of the country’s most reputable and prominent media organizations, academic institutions, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), convened in a landmark event to form the largest partnership in the fight against disinformation.
Inspired by the Kapuso Network’s “Panata Kontra-Fake News” campaign, almost 60 partners heeded the call to be part of the Panata Kontra-Fake News Covenant Signing. Under the rallying cry, “Magkaisa Tayong Labanan ang Fake,” they pledged to uphold a shared responsibility and commitment to combatting fake news and disinformation, standing united in the fight against disinformation.
Beyond industry leaders, this latest advocacy campaign also calls on every Filipino to stand in solidarity against the spread of fake news and disinformation.
“Fake news is both dangerous and harmful, but the truth is glorious and useful. It fosters an informed populace, essential for a functioning democracy and a stronger society. With it, we lay the groundwork for transformative projects that enhance the lives of every Filipino,” said GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon during the Panata Kontra-Fake News Covenant Signing, which was also held on “National Press Freedom Day.”
“Truth is the very mechanism by which we build a better nation. It is not always the most viral, but it remains the best story to tell. Lagi’t lagi, sama-sama tayong magpahayag ng katotohanan na walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, walang kasinungalingan, sa pamamagitan ng serbisyong totoo lamang,” he added.
Data from a Pulse Asia survey in September 2022, revealed that nine out of 10 adults believe fake news is a problem. In a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station in the fourth quarter of 2021, 67 percent of the respondents believed that fake news on the internet was a serious problem. Further, 51 percent said it was difficult to spot fake news.
Together with Gozon, also representing GMA during the covenant signing were President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong; GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Senior Vice President and Head Oliver Victor B. Amoroso; Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and Concurrent Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Program Support Regie C. Bautista; First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon; First Vice President for Radio Operations Group Glenn F. Allona; GMA New Media, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Augusto L. Caharian; and Vice President for Corporate Affairs & Communications Angela Javier Cruz.
Among the roster of distinguished partners is COMELEC Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia.
Joining the Panata Kontra-Fake News Covenant Signing are the representatives of some of the country’s most trusted media organizations: Philippine Daily Inquirer President and CEO Atty. Rudyard Arbolado; Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Publisher Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma, Jr.; Manila Times Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dante “Klink” Ang II; Manila Standard Publisher Rolando G. Estabillo; Daily Tribune President Willie Fernandez; Malaya Chief Executive Officer Antonio Macasaet; and Business Mirror Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon.
Also pledging their support are PEP Editor-in-Chief Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon; Rappler Co-Founder and Executive Editor Glenda M. Gloria; #FactsFirstPH Coalition Representative Pia Ranada; Sunstar President Gahum Vincent L. Garcia; PressOne.PH Multimedia Editor Niceforo Vince A. Balbedina III; AllTV President Maribeth C. Tolentino; ZOE Broadcasting Network Inc. (ZOE) Programming, Sales and Marketing Head Nestor T. Layderos; Catholic Media Network (CMN) President and CEO Rev. Fr. Francis B. Lucas; MBC Media Group (MBCMG) President Ruperto S. Nicdao, Jr.; Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) represented by DZAS Station Manager Josephine C. Alabastro; and Quest Broadcasting Inc (Magic 89.9) DJ Tina Ryan.
Signing their commitment as well are the representatives of the biggest media organizations: Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) President Noel C. Galvez; Philippine Press Institute (PPI) Executive Director Ariel C. Sebellino; Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Chairman Antonio S. Lopez; Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Board Member Regine Cabato; National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Chairman Jonathan de Santos; and Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) Training Director Rowena Paraan.
Also in solidarity are various universities: Adamson University President Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, CM; De La Salle University Provost Dr. Robert Roleda; National University Senior Director for Corporate Marketing and Communications Adolfo J. Aran, Jr.; University of the East Director Marketing and University Relations Department Edilberto B. Sulat, Jr.; University of the Philippines Los Baños Director of Public Relations Mark Lester Del Mundo Chico; and Polytechnic University of the Philippines President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi.
Joining are the member schools of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): Arellano University Vice President for Human Resources and Director for Legal Affairs Atty. Frederick G. Dedace; Colegio de San Juan de Letran Student Council Adviser Cora-Lynne Regencia-Navalta; De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Lacson; Emilio Aguinaldo College President Dean of Student Affairs Ameena Oliva RRT, MAEd; José Rizal University Member Board of Trustees Augusto Fabella; Lyceum of the Philippines University Dean of Student Affairs Gladys Ramos; Mapúa University President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dodjie Maestrocampo; San Sebastian College – Recoletos President Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR; and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA School Director Arnaldo De Guzman.
Representing the academe as well are the regional school partners: University of St. La Salle Bacolod President Br. Joaquin Severino S. Martinez; De La Salle Lipa President Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Tessie Palma; Ateneo De Naga Officer-in-Charge Bro. Raymund E. Belleza, SJ; Silliman University Officer-in-Charge Strategic Partnerships Glynnis Jean Casiño; University of San Carlos Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD; Universidad De Dagupan Chief Operating Officer Jann Alfred Arzadon Quinto; University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II; Central Mindanao University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe; University of the Philippines Mindanao Chancellor Dr. Lyre Anni E. Murao; Holy Cross of Davao College Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Teresa Fabiania; Notre Dame of Dadiangas University President Br. Manuel V. De Leon, FMS; Mariano Marcos State University Officer in Charge – Chief Information Services Section Maria Kathrina Ysabel A. Antonio; University of San Agustin AB Communication Academic Supervisor Dr. Rhoda G. Campillan; University of the Philippines Visayas Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano; and Western Mindanao State University President Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena.
University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Santo Tomas, and Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) are also part of the alliance.
Supporting the campaign is digital platform Google through its Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy Atty. Yves Gonzales.
Following the historic Panata Kontra-Fake News Signing, GMA Network will fire up content to educate Filipinos regarding fake news and encourage them to stand in solidarity against disinformation.
Further information will also be available across multiple platforms through the GMA News Online microsite.
