Marcos sees media as partners of gov't: 'We need you'

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday deemed members of the media as partners of government, noting the significance of the checks and balances the Fourth Estate provides to society.

Marcos led the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Malacañang Press Corps (MPC), Malacañang Cameramen Association (MCA), and Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA). 

''We need the media. I always consider you partners in government and that the check and balance that you provide is very important,'' Marcos said.

''And so, that is an important role to play --- to secure a very vibrant democracy where discussions are being held at every level on every subject,'' he added.

Marcos further said he wants to continue strengthening the partnership between the media and the government.

''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 and we need, once in a while, a watch dog to say, look, look, look, you are going too far this way, you’ve made a mistake here, and makes us think, make us reexamine what we have done and perhaps take into account what has been said by our media practitioners,'' he said.

The President stressed that the media's courage and passion in championing freedom of speech and expression in our communities have echoed the aspirations of the Filipino people.

''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,'' Marcos said.

Marcos told members of the media to continue to adhere to the utmost ethical and professional standards of journalism—free from sensationalism, bias, and personal motives.

''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,'' —Marcos said. RF, GMA Integrated News