PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged members of the media to carry out their duties without constraints, emphasizing the pivotal role of a critical press in the nation.
Addressing the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Marcos diverged from his predecessors, rejecting collaboration as it implies relinquishing independence.
He said that national interests are best served by a press that questions rather than cooperates.
Asserting the indispensable freedom of the press, Marcos underscored the imperative of delivering truth to the public unhindered.
He praised FOCAP’s longstanding commitment to this principle, citing it as a cornerstone of their relationship with the presidency and the government over the past half-century.
Marcos’s attendance marked the first presidential presence at the forum in nine years, commemorating a tradition initiated by his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., half a century ago.
Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the historical significance, Marcos pledged to uphold and carry forward this vital media tradition.
In his address, Marcos reaffirmed his dedication to defending press freedom and safeguarding the welfare of media practitioners in the Philippines.
He also reiterated his belief that the president’s duty lies in protecting press freedom, not undermining it and praised FOCAP for maintaining public trust while upholding the principles of fairness and critical analysis. (Gilbert Perdez)
PBBM to media: Carry out your duties without constraints
