FIGHT FAKE NEWS. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez emphasizes broadcasters' vital role in combating fake news during the 51st-anniversary celebration of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas held at the Manila Golf Club in Makati City Thursday night (April 25, 2024). He urged them to continue their intensified fight against fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, especially in social media, as these concerns undermine public trust in institutions. (Photo courtesy of Speaker Romualdez’s office)
MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez has urged officials and members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) to continue their intensified fight against fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, especially in social media, as these concerns undermine public trust in institutions.
The House leader made the call amid the backdrop of a "deepfake" online content falsely portraying President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as instructing the military to take action against a specific country.
In his keynote speech during the 51st-anniversary celebration of the KBP Thursday night at the Manila Golf Club in Makati City, Romualdez lauded the organization for more than five decades of exceptional service to the nation – as a reliable source of truth and a facilitator of informed public discourse.
“Your role as custodians of truth is imperative in countering misinformation and upholding the public trust,” he said.
“In an era marked by a redefinition of the media landscape due to evolving technology, transitioning from traditional platforms to digital spaces, and where misinformation can spread rapidly, the integrity of our broadcasters is more crucial than ever.”
“I urge you to remain steadfast,” he said as he also appealed to the organization to continue policing its ranks and weed out those who compromise on the ethics of truthful reporting.
He commended the KBP for maintaining rigorous standards of truthfulness and fairness, saying the organization’s unwavering commitment to these values showcases the best of Filipino broadcasting and fortifies the country’s democratic foundations.
He said that the House of Representatives will remain supportive of the KBP of its commitment to facilitate progress and contribute to nation-building.
He said House members are “diligently working on legislative reforms” to provide more flexibility in terms of investments and resources, aiming to boost the industry’s growth and international competitiveness.
The House leader also vowed to improve transparency within the industry, and to broaden the scope of its operations, ensuring more accessible access to credible platforms for all Filipinos to voice their aspirations. (PNA)
