SENATOR Loren Legarda, presiding over the Finance Subcommittee G hearing on Thursday, September 26, 2024, highlighted the crucial role of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in shaping public understanding of government initiatives, informing citizens about essential services, and fostering engagement in national development.
Legarda acknowledged the transformative impact of new technologies, empowering the government to directly reach the public, similar to private media networks. However, she stressed the accompanying challenges, particularly in combating misinformation, data privacy breaches, and fake news.
“This shift brings new opportunities but also new challenges, particularly in combating misinformation, data privacy breaches, and fake news,” she said. “Knowledge is power, and through it, we envision a nation where every Filipino is empowered with the information they need to make choices that will improve their lives and will strengthen the country,” she added.
The proposed 2025 budget for the PCO amounts to P2.281 billion, representing a 24.37 percent decrease from the 2024 allocation of P3.016 billion.
