Manila, Aug. 14 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday emphasized the crucial role of a "free, independent, and responsible" media in ensuring that facts prevail over speculation and fake news.

Speaking at the presidential luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines at Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila, Marcos said the media and government share a common interest in protecting credibility, which he described as the foundation of their work and the bedrock of public trust.

"The Philippine government recognizes that a free, independent, and responsible press remains indispensable to any democratic society. This is why we consider media practitioners, including our photojournalists, as our partne...