New Executive Building, Malacañang
October 12, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the relaunching of the newly renovated Press Briefing Room (PBR) at the New Executive Building in Malacañang.

The refurbished press briefing room boasts of state-of-the-art equipment such as high definition television monitors, remote-controlled cameras, retractable curtains with varying themes for different activities in the room, LED studio lights, and a dedicated Wi-Fi Internet connection.

In his speech, the President expressed delight over the improvements, which he perceives solidifies the administration’s commitment to usher in effective communication between the government and its people.

“I am happy to be with you today as we introduce the new improvements in our Press Briefing Room. This represents this administration’s firm desire to reach out and effectively communicate with our people,” he said.

“It is my sincere hope that the state-of-the-art equipment and the holding areas will serve as a reminder of our dedication to upgrade our state media and to keep it at par with international standards,” he added.

President Duterte also emphasized the vital role of media, saying that they “successfully educate our people about the much-needed constitutional reforms that would lead to a more responsive federal-parliamentary form of government that welcomes foreign investments as a catalyst for economic growth.”

Moreover, President Duterte announced a memorandum that puts Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the sole agency in-charge of ‘the conduct of all campaigns and operations against all those who, directly, or indirectly, and in whatever manner or capacity, are involved in or connected with, illegal drugs.’

He also directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Postal Office (PHLPost), and other ad hoc anti-drug task force to relay information about illegal drug operations to PDEA.

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