The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday rallied citizens to be vigilant against disinformation and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of relying on trusted and credible sources for accurate election news.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay C. Ruiz stressed the importance of access to accurate, fair, and ethical reporting, describing the May 12 elections as critical for Philippine democracy.
“Dapat po walang magpakalat ng fake news lalong-lalong na napaka-critical ng boto. Napaka-critical ng halalan. Dahil sa demokrasya, yan po ang ating foundation ng demokrasya tulad ng Pilipinas,” Secretary Ruiz said in a live interview.
Secretary Ruiz encouraged voters to seek information from reputable news outlets led by the Integrated State Media, which is committed to public service and responsible journalism.
“Kung gusto nyo ng isang accurate, patas na coverage, nandito po yan. Dahil sabi nga ng Pangulo, dapat ipakita natin sa buong pwersa, buong bansa, na tayo’y nandito, ang gobyerno ay nandito para sa kanila,” Secretary Ruiz said.
The PCO chief emphasized that voters play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the elections, rejecting disinformation, and reporting any irregularities they encounter.
At the same time, Secretary Ruiz reminded voters of practical steps they can take to make voting more comfortable: bring water, check precinct locations early, and be patient despite the searing summer heat.
“Ito ay alang-alang sa ating henerasyon at sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Pumili po tayo ng mga tamang lider ng ating bansa. Every three years lang po na kung saan ang mamamayan naman ang may say sa gobyerno. Ito lang po yung araw na yun,” the Secretary said.
Aligned with President Marcos’ vision for the nation, Secretary Ruiz urged voters to elect leaders who will genuinely collaborate with the government in advancing the welfare and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.
“Maraming problema yung bansa eh. Pero sa pagkakaisa, sa tamang pagpili ng mga lider na talagang may puso para sa public service, e posibleng mabago po ang Pilipinas,” the Secretary said.
“At yan na nga po ang sinasabi ni Pangulong Marcos na tayo po’y habang may buhay may pag-asa sa bagong Pilipinas,” Secretary Ruiz said. | PND
