President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting journalists, vowing to strengthen mechanisms that ensure their safety and welfare.
In his keynote address during the oath-taking ceremony of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Board of Trustees and Standards Authority, President Marcos reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting media workers and strengthening democracy.
“As a public servant who faces the media almost daily, I understand the gravity of your job. It is not easy to ask questions, report, and present the truth—especially when there is risk involved,” he said.
“And that is why this administration has made it clear that the safety and welfare of our journalists must be protected at all times,” he added.
President Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists, citing the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, which ranked the country 116th out of 180 countries and territories.
He emphasized the vital role journalists play in informing the public while also recognizing the various risks they face, including safety threats and pressure in performing their duties.
He added that the government will continue to stand by its commitment to protecting journalists’ welfare and will strive to ensure that victims and their loved ones obtain justice.
Additionally, the president urged media organizations to help combat misinformation and disinformation, partic“In this regard, I also encourage media groups to help our countrymen identify what is true and what is fake news,” President Marcos said.
Recently, the Presidential Communications Office and eight media publications in the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote transparency, media literacy, fact-based reporting, and responsible information sharing.
In February, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security and the National Bureau of Investigation signed an MOU to reinforce the government’s efforts against violence and threats targeting members of the media.
