Control supporters spreading misinformation, Ping to Leni

MANILA – Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday urged the camp of Vice President Leni Robredo to “rein in” supporters engaged in fake news against him.

Lacson issued the comment during the Bicol region leg of his campaign after reports circulated that he would not be proceeding to Naga, the birthplace of Robredo.

He said it is “vicious” to prevent rivals from campaigning in her bailiwick.

“Nakaka-dishearten because when we left Catanduanes, may mga fake news na lumabas na canceled ang aming engagement dito (Naga). Nahirapan ang coordinators to correct the disinformation. Pwedeng di niya alam but followers niya. I think she should rein in followers na napaka-vicious just because this is what they call Leni country (It’s disheartening because as we left Catanduanes, there was fake news that our engagement here is canceled. Our coordinators had a difficult time correcting disinformation. She may not know this but I think she should rein in her vicious followers just because this is Leni country),” Lacson said in an interview.

Lacson said he based his conclusions that Robredo supporters were behind the fake news from his previous experiences on social media.

“Sino pa gagawa? Sino pa magsasabing canceled ang context ng disinformation? Ang experience ko sa Twitter, ‘di ko binabanggit pangalan ni VP but when they feel alluded to, lintik ang troll na bumabanat sa atin (Who else would do that and say the campaign is cancelled in the context of disinformation? From my experience in Twitter, I do not mention the name of the Vice President but when their supporters feel alluded to, trolls would attack me),” Lacson added.

Lacson reiterated she is not accusing Robredo but she should discuss such instances of misinformation with her supporters.