In an unprecedented move toward unified public service, all state-run media agencies joined forces under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to broadcast on Monday “the Hatol ng Bayan 2025,” the most expansive and integrated election coverage in Philippine history.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay C. Ruiz said in a live interview on Monday that key state media entities, namely the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine News Agency (PNA), People’s Television Network (PTV), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC), Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), and Radyo Pilipinas, have consolidated their efforts to provide real-time, reliable, and nationwide election reporting.
“Sabi ng Pangulong Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., na dapat ang state media ang maging tunay na mata, boses, at tenga ng sambayanan,” Secretary Ruiz said.
The “Hatol ng Bayan 2025” coverage began at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12, and will continue until 2:00 a.m. on May 13.
The PCO secretary said that with over 200 correspondents strategically deployed across the archipelago—from Batanes to Jolo—state media teams are equipped with satellite links and mobile internet capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted live reporting from even the most remote precincts.
Secretary Ruiz also said that PCO’s Integrated Media Command Center partners with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to monitor online spaces and combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“Dapat po walang magpakalat ng fake news lalong-lalong na napaka-critical ng boto,” the Secretary said.
Secretary Ruiz confirmed that early attempts at online disinformation have already been identified and neutralized.
The Secretary also urged the public to rely on trusted news sources, especially during the elections. The Secretary assured that state media agencies are here to serve, inform, and protect our democracy.
“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 Secretary voted early Monday morning in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, where he observed smooth processing and minimal waiting time during the voting process.
Acknowledging varying conditions across precincts, Secretary Ruiz reminded voters to be patient, bring water, and check their precinct assignments in advance.
The Secretary also reiterated the President’s call for voters to elect competent, wise, and compassionate leaders.
“Bumoto po kayo ng mga leader na may puso or interest para sa mamamayan Pilipino,” Secretary Ruiz said. | PND
