President Marcos has called on the members of the media to help ensure clean, honest, and transparent midterm elections.

Marcos said this as he graced the 50th Top Level Management Conference (TLMC) organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster the Pilipinas (KBP) in Tagaytay City on Thursday, Nov. 14.

In his speech, the President urged the media to remain firm in their dedication to serving Filipinos with integrity, fairness, and an enduring pursuit of truth.

"Now more than ever, your work holds immense value," he said, noting the importance of the KBP’s partnership with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) to help promote and ensure clean, honest, and transparent 2025 elections.

"This is where responsible journalism must come in. This responsibility goes beyond simply informing—it enlightens, it empowers. By championing the integrity and accuracy, the broadcast media helps build public trust, which in turn strengthens our democracy," he added.

Marcos likewise cited the important role of the media in keeping the citizenry informed by combating disinformation and misinformation in the country, especially during the present situation when information can be shared and received instantly.

"With technological advancements and the popularity of social media, we have seen a rise in disinformation and misinformation campaigns that could undermine public trust in the entire democratic process, including elections,” he said.

"In this regard, the media plays a vital role in dispelling the noxious influence of misinformation, dismantling the lies that are spread by troll farms and other malicious organizations," he added.

The President said the broadcast media helps build public trust that strengthens democracy and champions integrity and accuracy. He added that the continuous evolution of the media warrants the adoption of new skills, resources, and technologies.

"After all, your influence as journalists is profound. With every report, story, and headline, you help shape public perception—strengthening our citizens’ capabilities to make informed choices and to voice their dreams and aspirations," Marcos said.

Protecting the media

Meanwhile, President Marcos assured the media that his administration is committed to making the country safe for journalists and media practitioners.

In particular, he said the government has strengthened its resolve in safeguarding the lives of media personnel and practitioners under Executive Director Jose Torres, the new chief of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS).

"I have directed the PTFOMS, chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Justice, to ramp up and intensify operations in relation and in preparation to the upcoming 2025 midterm elections," Marcos said.

"In particular, I asked the PTFOMS to focus their efforts on the members of the local media, whose fearless coverage makes them particularly vulnerable to threats against life, liberty, and security," he added.

Organized on April 27, 1973, KBP is a non-government and non-profit organization of the Philippine broadcast media.

The KBP TLMC is an annual conference aiming to discuss various broadcast media trends and issues and plans for the industry’s future development.