PCO defers rollout of new Palace media accreditation rules after dialogue with MPC

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has suspended the rollout of new accreditation rules for reporters covering President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malacañang after a dialogue with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC).

The PCO and MPC officers met Monday morning to discuss the media accreditation guidelines, which some reporters said could limit the autonomy of newsrooms in assigning correspondents.

The MPC, composed of journalists covering the president and Malacañang, raised concerns over a number of provisions, including a five-year minimum requirement for a media entity’s existence and prior government coverage experience for reporters. The group warned that these could affect new organizations and those with younger staff.

The MPC also called for clearer definitions of vague terms, such as "false reporting," which is listed as a ground for revoking accreditation. It noted the need to safeguard against arbitrary imposition of the rules.

“The MPC will continue to vigorously promote the interests of its members, contribute to the strengthening of self-regulation among media groups, and stand by efforts promoting independent, critical, and ethical reporting,” the group said in a statement after the meeting.

PCO officials, led by Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, were open to the MPC suggestions but explained that stricter rules are necessary given the prestige and sensitivity of the palace beat.

Both sides agreed to work together to find a middle ground that would ensure the integrity and efficiency of the accreditation process, while protecting the independence of reporters covering Malacañang.

The PCO asked the MPC to submit a position paper, which the officers committed to complete by Friday. While revisions are being finalized, the PCO has deferred the submission period for new accreditation requirements, originally scheduled for April 29 to May 2.

The initial draft guidelines, released on April 25, emphasized that covering Malacañang remains a prestigious assignment "requiring the best of seasoned journalists" and proposed higher thresholds for media outlets and reporters.

PCO officials also assured the MPC that they would be consulted on matters that directly affect the performance of their duties at the Palace.