Marcos to media: Disagreement does not make us adversaries

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday that disagreements between the government and the media do not make them adversaries, stressing that their relationship should be anchored on mutual respect and open dialogue.

Marcos made the remarks during the oath-taking of officers of three accredited media organizations at Malacañang: the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC), the Malacañang Cameramen Association (MCA) and the Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA).

“The press has its own role to play in any democracy. And of course, we do not always agree on certain things, but that does not make us adversaries. I always see it as a partnership between both the media practitioners and those of us who are holding office because, after all, we all serve the public,” Marcos said.

“Therefore, our relationship remains grounded in mutual respect and open dialogue. And it is the only way that I know to have a productive and constructive relationship between the practitioners in the media and those of us who are in office,” he added.

Marcos recognized GMA News reporter Ivan Mayrina, MPC president, as well as MCA president Rolly Demawalo and PPA president Noel Pabalate.

He said the media's role has become even more critical amid the spread of disinformation and the growing use of artificial intelligence.

“Whether through reports, photographs, videos, your work helps Filipinos to understand the events and to know how these events affect their lives and the decisions that they will have to make for themselves in light of the context that you make and offer,” Marcos said.

The administration is also working to combat disinformation through its “Oplan Kontra Fake News” initiative.

Marcos said his administration was likewise committed to protecting journalists and other media workers from threats and violence.

“This administration remains committed to ensuring that our reporters, our photojournalists and cameramen can perform their duties freely, safely and without fear of intimidation or violence from anywhere,” he said.

The President also cited the work of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security in protecting journalists, including the establishment of media monitoring centers during the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.— MCG, GMA News

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