APPALLED by the way the mainstream media has been conveying news, a visibly pissed off President Rodrigo Duterte directed the state-run media to maintain what he aptly described as fair and factual news reporting.
At the launching of the P700-million Mindanao Media Hub of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in Davao City, Duterte cited the need for a credible media.
“Our Constitution recognizes the vital role of a free press in a vibrant democracy and a well-informed society,” Duterte said.
“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, may you, as government media, continue to keep our people empowered through unbiased, truthful, and credible reportage,” said Duterte in a pre-recorded message.
Duterte has had his share of bickering against media outfits, including ABS-CBN, Rappler and the Inquirer. Of the three media outfits, the government somehow managed to keep the giant broadcast network off the air, via Congress which denied franchise to the Lopez-owned television and radio broadcast corporation.
While Rappler has remained operational, media groups suspect Duterte as behind the “trumped-up charges” and conviction of Rappler editor and reporters for libel.
Duterte has repeatedly assailed ABS-CBN, Rappler and Inquirer for what he claimed was biased reporting and orchestrated attacks on the administration.