PCOO Chief: Let's fight fake news ‘as new normal’

 By: Jocelyn Alvarez

Zamboanga City, Sept 21 (PIA) - Fake news is the new normal in this generation, so “it must also be our new normal to fight fake news,” said Secretary Martin M. Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). 

 

Sec. Andanar in his regional rounds guesting over Radyo Komunidad, Isabela City, Basilan said it is essential that people should listen to bonafide radio and TV stations that deliver verified or truthful information. 

 

“Mahalaga na maging mapagmatyag din po tayo sa mga fake news (It is important to be very vigilant versus fake news)," he said.

 “Itong mga kritiko na ‘to ay bahagi na ito ng ating demokrasya (critics are part of democracy), of course we welcome critics. Constructive criticisms are more welcome. “

 

He said that obstructionists, damaging, destructive criticisms can be filtered-out but in the spirit of democracy “dapat ay pakinggan din natin ang mga critics, because who knows, baka may katotohanan ‘yong kanilang mga sinasabi nila. (we need to listen to some critics, too, because who knows, they may have some truths on what they said).”

 

But it’s a different story when one accuses that Duterte Legacy is fake news because the accomplishments are tangible, can be seen or felt and can even talk to the beneficiaries.

 

Andanar once again appealed to the Filipino people for the remaining eight months of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte before he steps down as the country’s prime leader, “let us walk with him in preparing the ground for our eventual recovery from the effects of the pandemic.”  (RVC/EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)