Tags: #BattleAgainstDisinformation #CombattingFakeNews #StandUpForTheTruth #TruthMatters #StopAbuseofPower #PressFreedom

The president's administration has a tense relationship with the media, which it routinely accuses of prejudice or twisting statements made live on television by Duterte. Duterte spewed obscenity and vowed to retaliate against the journalists by using the government's television channel. Duterte has a big social media following and is aggressively supported by well-known bloggers with enormous Facebook followings, who have repeatedly targeted journalists.

The proliferation of disinformation increases animosity and polarization online, creates suspicion against institutions, and makes it difficult for people to identify what is authentic, especially with the 2022 Philippine elections approaching and the epidemic still present. Trolls on social media have also made it more difficult for people to conduct meaningful conversations and engage in political debates.

Disinformation, particularly that which does harm, has made it difficult for journalists and activists to continue their job.

Because of these factors, the effects of online disinformation have prompted local and international groups to work on media and information literacy projects, as well as efforts to cultivate a culture of fact-checking on social media.

Fact-checking Responsibilities:

1. Be skeptical about sources. 
2. Keep your guard up and understand that not everything you read is accurate and many digital sites specialize in false news.
3. Learn how to judge sites, images used, and articles.
4. Be open to many perspectives. This increases the odds of hearing well-balanced and diverse viewpoints.
5. Be educated, and educate.

The majority of female journalists do not disclose or publicize internet attacks. people go through, as a result of the low levels of reporting when it comes to more generally, violence against women. As a result, we should keep track of what you're seeing, what you're learning, and what you're recording & speak out against cyber-bullying connected with the murder of journalists in a way that is both gender-responsive and gender-disaggregated. We could also develop and deliver training and education. lawmakers' and law enforcement's education agencies and the judiciary to make it possible for them to do so to deal with things more effectively and acceptably with women's violence on the internet journalists.

The media is a reflection of society and functions within it. The media, while reporting the news, reflects pictures, ideas, and insights, as well as the values reflected in a way of life. The press operates on a set of principles. Those who work in the media must strengthen both their personal and institutional values to preserve the quality of journalism and press freedom.

Journalists have faced government threats, media restrictions, and the deaths of four journalists last year, making the Philippines Asia's most dangerous country for journalists. This regime despises criticism and prefers a media that is obedient. Hundreds of journalists have been murdered in this nation since the fall of Marcos, and just a handful have been sentenced to prison for their crimes.

Corruption, violence, murder, rape, and a variety of other crimes are all caused by misuse of power. In today's culture, it is frequently stated that power corrupts. Many examples of power abuse may be found throughout history. To sum up, spiritual intelligence will supply you with a reservoir of honesty and integrity, which are essential attributes in a strong leader who isn't consumed with his or her glory, who doesn't misuse authority and hurt society. And the world as a whole is in desperate need of such leaders!

The Department of Justice should make its findings public and declare that it will not attempt to modify rather than follow the criteria for media subpoenas and ensure that they are followed. Moreover, the authorities should openly acknowledge the significance of whistleblowing protection of the source to reveal corruption and misconduct.