Authorities escalated their campaign against online misinformation as the government moved to strengthen accountability measures for individuals spreading fake news on social media.
Officials reiterated calls for the public to verify information before sharing content online, stressing that digital posts with false or misleading claims can carry consequences and should be treated with caution.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded citizens to exercise responsibility in online activity, including fact-checking information and reporting suspected fake news circulating on various platforms.
Government spokesperson Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains focused on governance despite what she described as continued online disinformation targeting the administration.
She added that Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez has already submitted evidence to the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding individuals allegedly involved in spreading false information about the President’s health on social media.
“Kung merong mga naninira, alam naman natin kung saang parte ito nanggagaling. At suportahan natin mismo ang gobyerno at labanan natin ang fake news (If there are those who are maligning [the government], we know where it is coming from. And let’s support the government and fight fake news),” Castro said.
Authorities said the move forms part of ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for circulating misleading claims online, particularly content that affects public perception of government officials.
The PCO Anti-Fake News Desk flagged the posts as part of its monitoring operations under Oplan Kontra Fake News, which was launched on March 4 to address the spread of false information on digital platforms.
Officials said the initiative also encourages collaboration between government agencies and the public in identifying and reporting misleading content, as part of broader efforts to promote responsible use of social media. (with reports from PNA)
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