President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, October 12, urged government officials and members of the media to always uphold the truth in line with their duty of communicating the government’s platform to the people.
“To my fellow workers in government, especially those who form part of the Communications Office, I enjoin you to remain committed to your duty of upholding the truth at all times,” the President said in his speech during the re-launching of the newly renovated press briefing room at the New Executive Building in Malacañan.
President Duterte reminded his colleagues in government to refrain from exaggerating, misinterpreting, or agitating any information as they disseminate the administration’s platform of governance.
“In the same vein, I call on our friends from the media to also remain committed to the truth at all times. Never, never lie because we are not up to it anyway,” President Duterte also told members of the press.
“Never confuse your search for answers with the need to engage the public through sensationalized news and overpublicized political propaganda,” he added.
The Chief Executive then expressed his dedication to upgrade the country’s state media to keep it at par with international standards.
He further cited the need to foster a more vibrant relationship with the press, as it plays an important role in providing information to the people regarding the government’s policies.
“The role of the media is vital if we are to successfully educate our people about the much-needed constitutional reforms that would lead to a more responsive federal-parliamentary form of government that welcomes foreign investments as a catalyst for economic growth,” the President noted.
“The press will also play an important role in the dissemination of accurate information on the gains that we are reaping from our country’s successful chairmanship of ASEAN, our improved relationship with our neighbors, and our role in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief echoed his earlier declaration to strengthen the country’s state forces to ensure better protection for future generations of Filipinos.
“This is no threat. I said it is my mandated duty to keep this country safe and sound. And the only way I can do it is I have to build a strong army and police,” he said.
President Duterte warned that serious consequences could ensue if the aspirations of various rebel groups in Mindanao are not met. He said groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) might be pushed to declare an independent state in the region.
“The point is we are not ready to embark on another war again; this time on a large scale throughout Mindanao. I just know what will happen,” he said.
The President said his administration continues to welcome assistance from foreign nations in upgrading the country’s law enforcement capabilities.
According to President Duterte, two more arms shipments are expected to be donated by China, whereas Russia is set to deliver arms to the country later this month.
The President however remained firm that he would not allow any country to dictate the affairs of his government. (PND)
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