Legarda seeks to strengthen government communications, push upgrades for PTV4

Senator Loren Legarda, sponsor of the 2026 budget for the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), highlighted in plenary on November 25 the urgency of countering misinformation and rehabilitating the facilities of state-run People’s Television Network (PTV‑4).

Drawing from her extensive background in media, she stressed that clear, truthful, and coordinated messaging must be the foundation of public information.

“Messaging is so important. Disinformation, misinformation, inaccuracy, and messages lost in translation confuse the people,” Legarda declared. “Even with good intentions, if you say it incorrectly or deliberately try to confuse, then that is wrong.”

She emphasized that messaging should come from a single, vetted, and reliable source to maintain clarity and public trust.

“There must be a clear source of messaging. Isa lang ang gagawa ng mensahe; hindi pwedeng iba, hindi pwedeng nagsasalita nang walang vetting, na hindi na verify. Hindi pwede yung hindi alam. Hindi pwede yung hindi nag uusap,” Legarda said.

With fake news and disinformation campaigns increasingly threatening public discourse, Legarda voiced strong support for institutional reforms. She expressed openness to supporting measures such as the proposed Anti-Troll Farm Act and the Freedom of Information bill, noting that these initiatives would empower the public with access to accurate information and help dismantle organized networks of online deception.

Turning to the state of PTV-4, Legarda acknowledged the network’s deteriorating facilities and the long-standing welfare concerns of its employees.

“It’s clearly mismanaged. And for the past years, no capital outlay was given by the government,” she admitted, pointing to the urgent need for rehabilitation. She agreed to explore options for capital outlay funding and even suggested that lawmakers could personally contribute to improvements if permitted by the Commission on Audit.

“If there are three studios, if it’s affordable, we can sponsor it, but we pay as a personal gift or donation if COA would allow,” she said.

It may be recalled that Legarda worked as a journalist in the 1980s with Maharlika Broadcasting Company (MBC), which has since evolved into PTV-4.

In 2013, Legarda principally authored and co‑sponsored Republic Act 10390, or the Act Revitalizing the People’s Television Network, Incorporated (PTV), which amended the PTV Charter to authorize the network to generate revenue from advertising and airtime sales, with all proceeds dedicated exclusively to operations and capital expenditures, ensuring the sustainability and viability of the national broadcaster.

Legarda is committed to working closely with PTV-4’s new management to address pressing rehabilitation needs and improve working conditions for employees, recognizing the network’s vital role as a frontline platform for the dissemination of government information. (30)