President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to protect the rights of the media during his administration as he cited the important role of the mass media in keeping the public informed.
Marcos made the commitment a day after veteran radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, known by his radio name as Percy Lapid, was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen in Las Piñas City.
Mabasa was the second media practitioner who was killed under the Marcos administration.
“Under my leadership, we will support and protect the rights of the media as they efficiently perform their duty,” Marcos said during his speech in the event organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.
Last Tuesday, Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara said the President was concerned with the death of Mabasa and has ordered an update on the case.
Marcos also assured his administration would remain open to the concerns and questions from journalists.
He also urged the media to help in the government’s development initiatives.
“We will not be your leader but we will be your partner, as we work together to see the full promise of the Filipino nation fulfilled in the days and in the years ahead,” Marcos said.
Teachers Day
IN a related development, Marcos also gave recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of teachers to the country’s development.
“Today, we honor our dear educators across the country for ensuring our youth’s holistic development as they aspire to be agents of change within their respective communities and beyond,” Marcos said in his message for the international celebration of Teachers Day.
He said teachers would be crucial in ensuring the country will have a steady pool of highly skilled workforce.
“With the help of our teachers, our country will grow stronger with every Filipino becoming more capable of building a better future for all,” Marcos said.
The President hopes more people will also take up the profession, which he considers “important drivers” of the country’s development.
Image credits: Troi Santos