Malacañang assured that the government will continue to respect press freedom as journalists around the globe marked World Press Freedom Day yesterday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said the government is giving importance to press freedom contrary to the claims of President Duterte’s critics.
“Asahan niyo po na patuloy na irerespeto ng Duterte administration ang press freedom sa bansa taliwas sa mga alegasyon ng iilan,” he said.
Andanar said Duterte created within the first month of his term the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to ensure the protection of journalists in the country.
Andanar said the PCOO will continue its campaign against disinformation and fake news as these are seen to be a threat to free speech.
“Tayo naman po sa PCOO ay patuloy ang kampanya natin laban sa disinformation o pagpapakalat ng fake news sapagkat isa po ito sa sumisira sa malayang pamamahayag,” Andanar said.
“Tayo naman po ay kaisa ng lahat ng mediamen sa bansa at sa buong mundo sa pagsusulong at pangangalaga sa karapatan sa press freedom,” he added.
Duterte had several brushes with the media since the election period in 2016. He has openly criticized three media organizations and even threatened to block the renewal of franchise of one of them.
In January last year, Duterte advised journalists to criticize his administration with moderation and to be forgiving when writing about government officials. (Argyll Geducos)
