MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. assured the administration’s commitment to protect the welfare and lives of journalists as he addressed the 50th anniversary celebration of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Monday.

In his speech, President Marcos said such commitment is a collective goal of the administration, along with the stance that the press should hold those in the position accountable, not applaud them but rather give praise to those who deserve it.

*The chief executive is the first Philippine president in nine years to attend the FOCAP forum while his father, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. started the tradition and was the first Philippine leader to grace it 50 years ago.*

“The principal role of the press is not to applaud those who govern, but you hold us accountable, without holding back in giving praise to those who deserve it,” President Marcos said.

“Along with that stance is our collective goal of protecting the welfare and lives of journalists,” the chief executive added.

The President also reiterated the administration’s commitment to bring justice to the slain journalists in the line of their noble duty as he assured them of a safe environment for media practitioners in the country through the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

“Rest assured that this government, through the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, is always on top of ensuring a safe environment for media practitioners in the country,” he added.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos expressed his readiness to render “candid report and exchange ideas” on matters that affect the Philippines as he sat a forum with the FOCAP. (PND)