President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed to remain “open” to the media, recognizing its crucial role in keeping the public informed.
“We will support and protect the rights of the media,” Marcos said in his speech at the Manila Overseas Press Club’s President’s Night at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.
The Chief Executive served as the guest of honor and speaker of the event, where around 400 top media professionals attended.
MOPC is founded in 1945 by foreign correspondents who arrived in the Philippines with General Douglas MacArthur.
As he reiterated his call for unity, his campaign battle cry, Marcos stressed the importance of boosting the country’s partnerships with other nations as we face “an uncertain world.”
This, he said, makes the relations with other countries “all the more important”, recalling his recent trips abroad.
“We keep close in our heart the idea of unity,” he urged MOPC members.
Marcos said during his visits to the US, Indonesia, and Singapore, he was able to encourage investment deals with foreign business leaders by briefing them about the Philippine economic performance and investment opportunities.
He also cited his administration’s intention to strengthen public-private partnerships in expanding the country’s investments in public infrastructures.
Marcos said the government, under his leadership, will not be the private sector’s leader, but a “partner”.