BAGUIO CITY -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday gave state-run PTV4, which serves as a platform to promote the programs and policies of the government, the freedom to be independent and act like a private media.
In a speech he delivered at the inauguration of PTV Cordillera Hub, the President said he would not use PTV for "personal use" as its primary objective is to let public know "about me, the truth."
"I am ready to grant all government communication facilities the degree of freedom. We will let go of you and act just like a private," Duterte said.
"What I can assure you during my time is this: There will never be a time that I will use PTV 4 or its allied services there for my personal. I don't need it. Just better, just tell me. Tell the people about me, the truth," he added.
Duterte dispelled belief that PTV4 should serve as tool in protecting the government from unwanted criticisms.
He added that a propaganda to hide the truth or to cover something is "the least of what we expected" the state-run TV should do.
The President akso encouraged the people, even if they are critics of the administration, to air their sentiments to PTV4 so they would be given the "chance to be heard."
"Maybe if you want to issue a statement in connection with what you do, especially if you are about to be criticized or being criticized or having been criticized and you want to answer, I said a fair chance, the right to be heard. Remember that," he said. (SunStar Philippines)