Fake news on gov’t vax, cash aid programs ‘uncalled for’: PCOO

MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday condemned the “deceitful” and “malicious” spread of fake news on the government’s Covid-19 vaccination and cash aid programs.

Andanar shut down rumors that unvaccinated individuals in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) would not be allowed to accept cash aid unless they have received their Covid-19 jabs.

He said this false information is “uncalled for” given the threat posed by the more infectious Delta Covid-19 variant.

“We denounce the attempts of certain individuals and/or groups to malign the government and cause public confusion by sowing fear in them on the government’s response, particularly in the continued vaccination program and financial aid program amidst the ECQ implementation due to the rising cases of Covid-19 in the country,” he said in a press statement.

Instead of subscribing to “unreliable” sources online as well as relying on information gathered through word of mouth, he urged the public to monitor from credible news channels and news sites.

“We ask everyone to keep updated with truthful news, especially on the heightened quarantine restrictions implemented by the government, through news and information provided by the government via its media programs such as the Laging Handa Public Briefing, Network Briefing News, Laging Handa Dokyu, and the official social media pages of the PCOO, among others,” he said.

He assured that the PCOO is “hard at work” to provide timely and truthful information to the public.

Echoing Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, he said the Duterte administration has no policy or order that prevents unvaccinated individuals from getting financial aid.

“Recipients to the program, regardless of vaccination status, are allowed to avail of it and physically receive it while we remain under heightened quarantine restrictions,” he said.

He urged the public to sign up in their respective local government units (LGUs) and wait for their schedule to get inoculated against Covid-19.

“We enjoin those who have not been vaccinated to coordinate with your respective LGU and barangay for the proper scheduling of your inoculation, and refrain from gathering and walking-in in various vaccination sites to minimize the possibility of Covid-19 infections,” he said.

Andanar reminded the public that only authorized persons outside of residents (APORs) are allowed to go outside of their homes.

He also enjoined the public, including those who have received their Covid-19 jabs, to continue observing minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and shields, physical distancing, and hand-washing.

“Let’s all stay healthy and safe in these tough times,” he said.

Last week, Malacañang assured that unvaccinated persons will still be allowed to leave their homes to purchase essential items such as food and medicine.

Roque said unvaccinated individuals in areas under ECQ status will also continue to receive PHP1,000 per person, or a maximum of PHP4,000 per family under the government’s subsidy program.