Stressing that the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists, President Marcos vowed to continue protecting media workers.

Speaking during the oath-taking ceremony of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Board of Trustees and Standards Authority on Wednesday, March 18, Marcos highlighted the important role of broadcast media in promoting truth, responsible reporting, and public service.

"Bilang lingkod-bayan na halos araw-araw na humaharap sa media, nauunawaan ko ang bigat ng inyong trabaho (As a public servant who faces the media almost every day, I understand the weight of your work)," Marcos said.

"Hindi madaling magtanong, mag-ulat, at maglahad ng katotohanan—lalo na kung may panganib na kaakibat ito (It is not easy to ask questions, report, and present the truth—especially when it comes with risks)," he added. 

"And that is why this Administration has made it clear that the safety and welfare of our journalists must be protected at all times," the President further said.

Marcos also assured journalists that his administration will strive to ensure that the victims and their loved ones attain justice.

The President likewise urged media groups to help fight misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media.

“Hinihikayat ko rin ang mga grupo ng media na tulungan ang ating mga kababayan upang alamin at tukuyin ang totoo at kung ano ang fake news (I also encourage media groups to help our fellow citizens discern and identify what is true and what is fake news)," Marcos told journalists.

He also stressed the importance of transparency initiatives such as government portals and the use of modern technology like satellites and drones to monitor public projects.

“Kapag malaya ang pamamahayag at madaling makakuha ng tamang impormasyon, mas nagiging bukas ang pamahalaan (When the press is free and access to accurate information is easy, the government becomes more transparent)," Marcos said.

"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.

The President called on KBP’s new leaders to continue promoting innovation in broadcasting in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission to ensure fair and competitive industry rules.

“Please continue to uphold the values that have guided you for more than five decades: the values of independence, responsibility, innovation, and, of course, service to our people,” he said.

Marcos emphasized that cooperation between the media and the government is key to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that broadcasters can work safely.