Marcos Jr. Vows Enhanced Media Accessibility and Transparency to Combat Disinformation in 2025
Manila, Philippines – As the year 2024 draws to a close, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to adopt a more open and accessible approach to media engagement in the coming year. In a candid interview with reporters at the Malacañang Palace, the President acknowledged the challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media platforms. He expressed his commitment to fostering greater transparency and open communication as a key strategy to counter these narratives and build public trust. President Marcos Jr. emphasized his belief that a freer flow of information, rather than restriction, is the most effective antidote to false narratives.
The President admitted to feeling constrained by the existing structured formats of media interaction, often finding himself wanting to respond more directly and spontaneously to issues circulating in the news and on social media. He expressed a desire for a more informal and dynamic exchange with the press, allowing for more nuanced discussions and a deeper understanding of the government’s perspective. This new approach, he hopes, will create a more direct and accessible channel of communication between the presidency and the public, thereby mitigating the impact of manipulated narratives.
President Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of regaining control over the narrative by actively participating in the public discourse. He articulated a vision of a more proactive government communication strategy, one that is not reactive but instead shapes the narrative through readily available and verifiable information. This proactive approach, he believes, will empower the government to effectively challenge and debunk falsehoods, ensuring that accurate information reaches the public.
The President’s commitment to enhanced media accessibility signifies a departure from the traditional, often tightly controlled, communication strategies employed by previous administrations. He views open dialogue and engagement as essential tools in combating disinformation, emphasizing the power of truth and transparency to dispel manipulated narratives. He called for a collective effort to counter misinformation, urging the government to be a leading voice in disseminating accurate information and engaging in open dialogue with the public.
The President’s pledge to increase media accessibility and transparency is a welcome development in the ongoing fight against misinformation and disinformation. By opening up the channels of communication and fostering a more open dialogue with the media, President Marcos Jr. aims to build public trust and ensure that the government’s message is heard clearly and accurately. This commitment to transparency signifies a potential shift in the government’s communication strategy, moving away from reactive pronouncements to a more proactive and engaging approach.
President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to greater transparency and media accessibility holds the promise of fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. By opening up the channels of communication and actively engaging in public discourse, the government can effectively counter misinformation, build public trust, and ensure that accurate information reaches the public. This new approach represents a significant step towards fostering a more open and transparent government, one that is responsive to the needs and concerns of its citizens. The success of this initiative, however, will ultimately depend on the government’s ability to consistently and effectively engage with the media and the public, fostering a genuine dialogue that prioritizes truth and accuracy.