Marcos: Gov't to support, protect rights of media

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed that his administration will support and protect the rights of media personnel in the country as he underscored their crucial role in society.

"Under my lead, we will support and protect the rights of the media as they efficiently perform their duty," Marcos said during an event organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club.

"Whatever difficulties we may encounter from this point on, the government will always be ready to lend an ear and to listen to your concerns, and to answer all that you may want to know," he added.

Marcos also said that the government will "remain open" and constantly communicate with members of the press as they seek to further strengthen the partnership with what is billed as the fourth estate.

" [Y]ou may rest assured that we [will] continue to articulate our plans for the members of the media," the President noted. " We will not be your leader, but we will be your partner."

Calls to uphold press freedom and protect journalists' rights resurfaced following the killing of radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa (also known as Percy Lapid) — a staunch critic of both the Marcos and Duterte administrations.

Agencies, including the police and the Commission on Human Rights, have launched separate investigations into the case.

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