Spread only truth, Andanar tells media men

Stand against the threat of calamitous falsehood, the destruction of the truth, and the careless profligacy of invented facts

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar called on radio broadcasters Thursday to shoot down attempts to spread false information and disseminate only the truth to the public.

Andanar made the remark in a speech he delivered during the Annual Management Conference of the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) in Quezon City.

“Stand against the threat of calamitous falsehood, the destruction of the truth, and the careless profligacy of invented facts,” he reminded broadcasters

At the same time, Andanar emphasized the immense responsibility of every radio broadcaster in promoting democracy and upholding the moral standards while performing the duties of their profession.

“In a functioning democracy such as ours, the freedom of belief and speech are, and must be, in tandem with the values of integrity and the truth,” Andanar said, adding that a continued public service broadcasting fortifies the nation-building process.

Andanar said despite the fast-evolving phase of other communication media, radio remains one of the most convenient and accessible media that can help inform and influence its audience.

“However else the words over radio are utilized, they influence and shape thoughts, rightfully or wrongly, depending on the mindset of the individual whose voice is heard on the microphone,” the Palace official said.

Andanar acknowledged the importance of the partnership between the government and broadcasting in ensuring efficient and effective public service that the Duterte administration is pushing for.

According to the PCOO chief, the content contained in narratives are the very substance of good governance together with the ideals set by President Duterte from his vision to give a comfortable life of dignity to every Filipino.

“May your voices be heard beyond this pledge, and well into the air waves that weave a nation we are building, one broadcast at a time,” Andanar stated.

Meanwhile, PBS Director-General Rizal Giovanni Aportadera, Jr. said that technology should be taken advantage of to boost public radio services.