Marcos: Media has key role in fight vs fake news amid uncertainty

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored the need to combat fake news amid the global uncertainties and challenges being faced by many countries amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Marcos made the remark during the oath-taking ceremony of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Board of Trustees and Standards Authority at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

“In this time of global uncertainty, we lean on to our media to be the bearers of facts, to police abuse, and to be the voice of our people,” Marcos said in his speech.

“With the crises and the difficulties and the shocks that the world is providing not only the Philippines but the entire globe, it is more essential than ever that we combat fake news and disinformation,” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administers the oath of office to newly elected officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in Malacañang on Wedmesday, March 18, 2026. (Photo from PPA Pool)

Marcos said the government needs the help of media practitioners “so that we can get the valuable information about the interventions that we are undertaking, about the true situation of the state of the world and of our country.”

“So that our people, as I have mentioned, can make the proper decisions, can go to the right – can go to the right people for assistance, and are knowledgeable about what is available in terms of what help can be provided to them,” he said.

The Chief Executive admitted that the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists.

He cited the 2025 World Press Freedom Index in which the Philippines ranked 116th out of 180 countries and territories, describing the media landscape as “generally difficult and complicated.”

“The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, is also a great challenge to us,” Marcos said. 

He assured that his administration will prioritize the safety and welfare of the members of the press.

Marcos added that the government is promoting greater transparency and accountability in the bureaucracy in support of efforts to “have facts and truth reported.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News