Photo credit: PCO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to ensure a free and secure environment for journalists in the Philippines, aligning with the vision of the administration's "Bagong Pilipinas" campaign.

During the 50th anniversary celebration of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), President Marcos affirmed his commitment to uphold press freedom and deliver justice to journalists who lost their lives while serving the nation.

Addressing the gathering, President Marcos underscored the vital role of a free and critical press in advancing the welfare of Filipinos, stating, "Under the banner of a Bagong Pilipinas, we are steadfast in adhering to our shared mission of advancing the welfare of the Filipinos and nurturing a truly free and safe environment for all journalists."

Moreover, he emphasized that his presidency aims to defend press freedom rather than undermine it, asserting that "national interest is better served by a press that is critical rather than a press that is cooperative."