Marcos Urges Media to Combat Fake News Amid Global Uncertainties

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called for a renewed commitment to combating fake news and disinformation on Wednesday, highlighting the crucial role of media practitioners during times of global instability, particularly as conflicts in the Middle East continue to create worldwide economic and political ripples.

During the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), the national association of broadcasters in the Philippines, Marcos emphasized that accurate information has become increasingly essential.

“In this time of global uncertainty, we lean on to our media to be the bearers of facts, to police abuse, and to be the voice of our people,” Marcos stated at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace. “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.”

The President’s remarks come as the Philippines continues to navigate economic challenges including inflation pressures and supply chain disruptions partly influenced by ongoing global conflicts. Regional tensions in the South China Sea and broader geopolitical rivalries have also heightened the importance of reliable information for both policymakers and citizens.

Marcos acknowledged that government initiatives require effective communication channels to reach their intended beneficiaries. “We need the help of media practitioners so that we can get the valuable information about the interventions that we are undertaking, about the true situation of the state of the world and of our country,” he said.

He further explained that accurate reporting enables citizens to “make the proper decisions, can go to the right people for assistance, and are knowledgeable about what is available in terms of what help can be provided to them.”

The President also addressed concerns about press freedom in the Philippines, candidly acknowledging persistent challenges faced by journalists in the country. He cited the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, where the Philippines ranked 116th out of 180 countries and territories, with its media landscape described as “generally difficult and complicated.”

This ranking reflects ongoing concerns about journalist safety in a country that has historically been one of the most dangerous for media practitioners. Since the 1980s, dozens of journalists have been killed in the Philippines, with many cases remaining unsolved. Press freedom advocates have repeatedly called for stronger protections for journalists and more effective prosecution of crimes against media workers.

“The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, is also a great challenge to us,” Marcos noted, referencing the explosion of unverified information across digital platforms that has complicated the media landscape in recent years.

The President assured attendees that his administration is committed to prioritizing the safety and welfare of members of the press, while also promoting “greater transparency and accountability in the bureaucracy” to support truthful reporting.

The KBP, established in 1973, plays a significant role in setting broadcasting standards and self-regulation in the Philippine media industry. As the primary organization for radio and television broadcasters in the country, its influence on information dissemination reaches millions of Filipinos daily.

Media experts note that the President’s statements come at a critical juncture when public trust in traditional information sources is being tested by the rapid spread of unverified claims online, creating challenges for government communication during crises and undermining informed public discourse on national issues.