MANILA—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the media to assist in explaining the government’s ongoing reforms to the public, saying many of the changes are difficult for ordinary citizens to grasp.

“So I thank all the members of the Malacañang press corps, because you have been there with us all the way. And this is not an easy thing to explain to the average citizen because they’re not concerned about structural change and ideological ideas. They are just concerned about their everyday lives,” Marcos told members of the Malacañang Press Corps.

The President noted that irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects, which he exposed during his July 28, 2025 Fourth State of the Nation Address, prompted investigations and filing of charges against individuals implicated in the misuse of public funds.

Marcos acknowledged that not everyone will agree with the reforms, but stressed the importance of continuous communication despite political noise. He also highlighted the value of experienced journalists, saying reporters develop insight through years of covering government, cultivating sources, and studying national issues.

“Fake news has taken too much of the space. In the beginning, we thought it was funny, it was entertaining, but now it’s become damaging. And that is something that we have to be concerned about,” Marcos said.

He appealed to journalists to help improve media literacy and encourage the public to critically evaluate the information they encounter.

“And that’s why I’m saying we need your help. The government needs the help of all the media to try and explain to people that you have to be more discerning about what you read and what you believe and what you take on,” he said.

“It is not an easy challenge but we have to continue to try and do it because it is important that people know the truth, the people know what is happening, that the people are not led into these crazy mind games people have been playing without any connection anymore to reality,” Marcos added.