Marcos and the media: Platitudes, but what else again?

Press freedom has always been a contentious issue in the Philippines, where President Marcos Jr.'s
administration has unfolded against a backdrop of historical obstacles. Despite taking a more
accommodative stance than his predecessors, worries about red-tagging, media consolidation, and
the changing nature of online influence continue to exist. This paper examines the complex
dynamics between President Marcos Jr. and the media, focusing on his statements, deeds, and
overall effects on press freedom.

Softened Tones and Lingering Concerns:

Although the overt animosity of Duterte's administration subsided during President Marcos Jr.'s
administration, remnants of past media repression still exist. There is a persistent sense of unease
regarding the future of independent journalism and dissident viewpoints due to the specter of
martial law. The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) warns against
complacency in defending media freedom, arguing that actions must speak louder than words
despite a comparatively softer approach.

Media Landscape Overview:

The skillful use of social media by the Marcos family as a propaganda tool, particularly during the
2022 election, casts doubt on the administration's resolve to stop fake news. Though a "media and
information literacy campaign" was promised at the International Conference of Information
Commissioners, the administration's dependence on social media power and previous
disinformation campaigns have left many skeptical.

Promises and Actions:

When it comes to transparency, President Marcos Jr. stands in sharp contrast to his campaign days,
when he restricted access for critical media. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
(NUJP), however, has observed ongoing efforts to demonize independent media outlets and
discredit colleagues. Plans for vlogger accreditation are still being reviewed, which has raised
questions about possible polarization and manipulation in media outlets.

Challenges to Press Freedom:

Under the current administration, state agents are still actively targeting the media in red-tagging
incidents. Alarms have been raised by the killings of journalists, such as Rey Blanco, Percy Lapid,
and Cresenciano Bunduquin. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for decisive action
to end impunity and guarantee prompt justice, even as statements of concern and investigations
are made in the wake of these incidents.

Media Ownership and Control:

As House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is closely associated with President Marcos Jr.,
increases his influence through Prime Media and the former frequency of ABS-CBN, the
concentration of media power becomes more prominent. Concerns regarding the consolidation of
media power within political circles are stoked by Romualdez's connections to the President and
his family.

Concerns and Conclusion:

The media landscape is still dealing with unresolved press killings, legal battles against journalists,
and the concentration of media ownership, despite President Marcos Jr.'s ostensibly positive
rhetoric. The administration's efforts to strike a balance between words and deeds will ultimately
be measured by how well true, independent journalism is anchored in the face of changing
circumstances and historical legacies. The way forward necessitates a dedication to true press
freedom that goes beyond simple platitudes and tackles the fundamental problems that continue to
plague the Philippine media environment.

The article provides a thorough analysis of President Marcos Jr.'s media environment, stressing
both commendable actions and persistent difficulties that affect press freedom and independent
journalism in the Philippines.