President Marcos has called on journalists to remain at the forefront of efforts in helping Filipinos distinguish truth from misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.

Marcos also urged journalists to continue to "adhere to the utmost ethical and professional standards of journalism—free from sensationalism, bias, and personal motives."

"In an age when information drives the progress of our society, your dedication to lending [your] expertise to help speak the truth on matters of national importance and promote objectivity in the face of conflicting [views] is invaluable," the President said as he administered the oath-taking of new elected officials of media groups on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

"Help us see and address the weaknesses of our system, [and] continue to uphold our nation’s best interests so that our country can continue to flourish," he added.

The President also expressed hopes that the media will make the most of their platforms by amplifying the voices of the marginalized so that they can also take part in the building of our nation.

It's becoming harder to discern fake news, real news

In his speech, Marcos cited that it has become "harder and harder" for the ordinary citizen, who does not follow closely the events that are being reported upon, to distinguish fake news, real news, propaganda, and what is pure objective information.

The Chief Executive underscored that this is where the reliable journalist come in.

"That is where the reliable journalist come in. So that we know as the reading public, the watching public --- so we can know that this --- these are the people that we can trust. Because everything that they say is verified. Sometimes it’s not --- nothing, nobody is 100 percent right but they do their very, very best to get it right. And that I think is where we stand right now," Marcos said.

With this, he called on journalists to continue to provide clear information, and cogent and profound analysis to the public.

Listen to everything, even the criticisms

The President recognized the role of the media as a partner of the government, saying the government needs the media to function well.

He stressed that the government needs the media to make his administration "reexamine what we have done and perhaps take into account what has been said by our media practitioners."

"It is critical. We need media to be there. Government would not function as well as it does without the media. Because if unfettered, government can go in any direction," Marcos said.

He further said that he will continue listening to those who are critical of his administration.

"I always say when there are reports and there are people who are critical of my administration, and people say 'why do you listen to that? That just put you in the bad mood,' I said they might be right, there’s a chance that no man --- despite being critical of you, maybe one guy is right. So, listen to everything. Don’t shoot the messenger. If they really believe what they’re saying then think about it, baka naman tama siya (perhaps they are right)," Marcos said.

No place for violence on media

Marcos also vowed that his administration "will always remain committed to making the country safe for journalists and media practitioners" in order to exercise their profession.

"We have filed cases against suspects, [while] our law enforcement agencies continue to work hard to bring other perpetrators to justice," he said. "There is no place for violence against the media in Bagong Pilipinas."

The President administered the oath taking of newly-elected officers of the National Press Club (NPC), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), Malacañang Press Corps (MPC), Malacañang Cameramen Association (MCA) and Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA) at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday afternoon.