Marcos’ return poses more pressure on media — UP prof

By Jimwell Aquino

PHOTO: ABS-CBN News

As Presumptive President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. prepares for his proclamation, University of the Philippines (UP) journalism professor Danilo Arao warned media groups of possible tough times under his administration.

According to Arao, the media should brace itself for the expected widespread disinformation, citing the chance that the problem will become more institutionalized.

“Kasi nariyan na ang government media at his [Marcos] disposal - troll army at kanyang disinformation network through social media na talagang ‘di magde-deactivate. In fact, baka mas ma-reconfigure pa ‘yan para ang disinformation army niya ay ma-integrate sa gobyerno,” Arao said in a media forum on Sunday.

He stated that Marcos' contempt for the media could endanger press freedom, as the dictator's son may use government resources against it.

Moreover, another Duterte, Presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, is expected to rule alongside him, potentially further chilling the media.

Nonetheless, Arao urged the media to strengthen the "culture of fact-checking" and not be afraid to do its job in order to ensure that the presumptive administration does not abuse its power to suppress.

To recall, according to the World Press Freedom Index, the Philippines' press freedom ranking fell further in 2022 due to continued cyberattacks on media, putting the country at 147th out of 180 countries.