MANILA-Malacanang on Thursday announced that press freedom is guaranteed in the present administration and that the government will work closely with media organizations. Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, in a chance interview, said the Palace will ensure constant healthy dialogue especially during instances when the reportage is critical of the government. Speaking after the oath-taking ceremony with newly elected officers of the National Press Club (NPC) in Malacanang, Cruz-Angeles reiterated President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s vow that the government will ensure the rights of journalists in the country are upheld and protected. "You're free to talk. We're not changing anything. Whatever freedom we have now will always be our freedom. Our Constitution guarantees that," she said. Marcos has said time and again that he will be open to dissent and criticisms, especially those coming from the so-called fourth estate. Sworn into office were Lydia
ORDER OF SIKATUNA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) on outgoing Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Artemiz Smer at Malacanan Palace's Music Room on Thursday (Aug. 25, 2022). Marcos thanked Smer for her efforts to bolster Turkey's ties with the Philippines during her watch. (Photo from PBBM's Facebook page) MANILA - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) on outgoing Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Artemiz Smer. Marcos gave the award when Smer paid a farewell call to him at Malacanan Palace's Music Room. "During her farewell call today, we conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Silver Distinction on H.E. Artemiz Smer, the outgoing Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines," Marcos said in a Facebook post. The Order of Sikatuna is an Order of Diplomatic Order awarded by a Phi