Marcos: Fight for truth, know what's fake news

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday emphasized the need to provide Filipinos, especially the youth, the "tools" that will help them discern what is fake news and what is not.

Marcos said this as he graced the ceremonial signing of memorandum of understanding and the launching of the media and information literacy campaign of the Presidential Communications Office.

"We also direct our attention to young people, they are the most involved, they are the ones who considered being online, working on the internet as part of their life," Marcos said in his speech.

"We must give them the tools to be able to look and see what are these things that we are reading, totoo ba ito, should we really be doing something about it, should I worry? Should I just not worry?" Marcos added.

"Maybe it's time that we give our kids, not only our kids but our citizenry, the tools to be able for them to tell what is important, what is not, what is relevant, where the sources of these information come from," Marcos said.

Knowing the source of the information is important at present, according to Marcos. He also underscored the need to fight for the truth and to discern what is real from what is propaganda.

"What we are fighting for is the truth... because the very first casualty of all of these, sometimes sinister, sometimes mistaken, misguided activities, the first victim, the first casualty is the truth," Marcos said.

According to PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil, the media literacy campaign is all about arming Filipino citizens the tools to discern truth from falsehood.

"Together we are taking on this feat that is not just crucial but imperative for the well being of our digital world. our reach extends further with our partners: META, Google, Tiktok and X. Reputable giants in the digital scheme," Garafil said in a separate speech.

"There support strengthen our causes. underlining the gravity of our message. Our formidable alliance is committed to ensuring the truth and accuracy prevail in a society where every voice contributes to the chorus of truth," she added.

Partner-agencies include the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.—LDF, GMA Integrated News