(Editor's note: This is part 2 of a special report on how to transform PTV4 into a model public broadcasting entity like the Australian Broadcasting Corp. or ABC as suggested by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. Click here for the first part of the special report.)

MANILA - PTV4’s vision, according to its website, is to become “the leading news and public information channel in the country.”

PTV4’s monopoly as chronicler of President Rodrigo Duterte’s views could give it a higher audience share, although its feed is available for simultaneous use by other outfits.

However, its anchors and reporters will have to ask incisive, critical questions of the President if the state-owned network wants to improve its credibility.

How this will fare with the sometimes prickly Chief Executive remains to be seen.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar, however, cites Mr. Duterte’s promised executive order on Freedom of Information as a boon for the government station. While state media workers pursue stories that commercial media may overlook, Andanar vows they will now go beyond superficial reporting of official statements.

Hammering out the details of President Rody Duterte's FOI EO on a holiday. Change is here! Be a #PartnerForChange pic.twitter.com/QLhIYLsEkx

— Martin Andanar (@MartinAndanar) July 6, 2016

Andanar said he expects PTV4’s employees to probe deeper into official statements and gather data that verify or contradict state executives’ claims, including that of Mr. Duterte and his alter egos.

Andanar should revamp PTV4's block-time component.

Instead of hosting programs that focus on mere repetition of government pronouncements, PTV4 should open its doors to organizations that specialize in critiquing government performance in areas like the environment, law and order, and various anti-poverty thrusts.

“There’s no shortage of groups capable of raising probing questions, more so, because they are not hampered by the requirements of commercial broadcast,” said performance artist and activist Mae Paner.

The Duterte electoral campaign gained traction from social media viewers. Andanar has said he wants to tap these volunteers not only to provide good news about change, but also counter-check official claims.

There should be no shortage of takers with the President currently enjoying a honeymoon with the Philippine Left.

The real test, however, will be PTV4’s ability to treat Mr. Duterte as a news source, and one subject to the prism of accountability, instead of an idol on some pedestal.

Journalists from the President’s hometown of Davao City say that he has never shirked from difficult questions, contrary to perception in the national capital.

How far Andanar tests this claim on the President with a rock star’s draw will determine the future of PTV4.