PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on the media to work closely with the administration in curbing the spread of fake news, saying misinformation has become a serious threat to public trust.
Speaking at a year-end fellowship in Malacañang, Marcos said the rapid spread of false information has grown “damaging,” especially when it distorts the relationship between the government and the press, which he described as democracy’s watchdog.
“Our big problem, and this one, I need your help,” Marcos said. “We thought fake news was funny at first, but now it’s become damaging. And that is something that we have to be concerned with.”
The President noted that conspiracy theories circulating online are now treated by some as equal to factual reporting produced by journalists with years of training and experience.
He expressed confidence that closer cooperation between the government and the media would strengthen public defenses against misinformation.
Marcos has repeatedly warned the public about manipulated content, including videos produced through artificial intelligence (AI).
In July, he urged Filipinos to use AI responsibly, noting that criminals also use the technology for scams and fake content.
“Nakakalungkot na ginagamit din ito ng mga masasamang loob, sa mga scam, sa fake news, sa pagpapalaganap ng maling impormasyon,” he said.
