President Marcos has urged media practitioners to remain critical saying this serves the Philippines better than having a press that is "cooperative."

Marcos said this during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on April 15.

In his speech, the President urged the media to perform its job without restriction as he underscored the relevance of a critical press in the country.

"Unlike many of my predecessors, I do not seek collaboration, for that implies a surrender of your Independence," he said.

"I am of the opinion that national interest is better served by a press that is critical rather than a press that is cooperative," he added.

According to Marcos, nothing should hamper the media from imparting the truth to the public.

"It must have the untrammeled freedom to do its work, not just to arm the citizenry with the truth, but also to deepen discernment in this age of mass disinformation," he said.

Meanwhile, President Marcos appealed to the media to continue exposing what he called the "illegal and aggressive" actions in the West Philippine Sea.

"It is crucial that the media, including the members of FOCAP, continue to expose these actions that not only threaten the peace and stability in the region but also undermine the rules-based order that has undertaken global development and prosperity over the previous century," he said.

"We must do everything to defend our shores, exercise our sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and uphold the national interest," he added.

On the other hand, Marcos renewed his commitment to defending press freedom in the country and protecting and ensuring the welfare of media practitioners in the country.

He added that his duty is not to ask for special favors, but only fairness which everyone deserves from the fourth state.

"The President’s role is to defend press freedom, and not lead in destroying it or demeaning its practitioners," he said.