President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. assured the members of the media that he remains committed to upholding the right to free speech and press freedom and that the government will remain open with them.
Marcos said this after he ordered a probe on the killing of radio broadcast journalist Percival Mabasa, known better as Percy Lapid, in Las Piñas City on Monday evening, October 3.
In his speech at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) President's Night in Pasay City, the President said he shared MOPC's "conviction in the importance of upholding the universal right of free speech and press freedom as well as giving and receiving accurate information."
"Under my lead, we will support and protect the rights of the media as they efficiently perform their duty," he said.
"Whatever difficulties we may encounter from this point on, the government is ready to lend an ear and listen to your concerns and to answer all that you may want to know," he added.
President Marcos highlighted the crucial role of the press in building an active citizen -- one that contributes to the development of our society.
"The nation counts on the media in improving access to information and increasing awareness of issues that affect our country and the world," he said.
"Your proactive participation in keeping a well-informed citizenry forms part of our collective goal to empower Filipinos and establish a more robust Philippines," he added.
While he could not share all his plans for the next six years, he assured the media members that his administration would continue to articulate its plans to them.
"I urge you to effectively communicate to the public the government's efforts and initiatives toward our country's development. This is another partnership that we must continue to strengthen," Marcos said.
"It is the job of our media practitioners to not only analyze, to not only give their opinion but to also inform and let our people know what the government is doing and how it will help their lives and how they can be part of that progress -- that process of progress that we have started," he added.
Marcos likewise urged the press to remain the government's partner in delivering accurate information and the country's progress.
"We will not be your leader, but we will be your partner as we work together to see the full promise to the Filipino nation fulfilled in the days and the years ahead," he said.