Public urged: Report poll-related fake news

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz. (PCO File Photo)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The government is calling on the public to immediately report any form of election-related fake news, misinformation, and disinformation through dedicated hotlines, e-mail, and social media channels.

Speaking during the Integrated State Media Election Special Coverage on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz said reporting false content would help protect the integrity of the 2025 midterm elections.

According to Ruiz, the move is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to combat fake news and disinformation, especially during the May 12 elections.

Reports may be sent through the following contact lines:

• DITO: 0991-481-4225

• Globe: 0966-976-5971

• Smart: 0947-714-7105

• Email: [email protected]

• Facebook Messenger: Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center

• Website: www.cicc. gov.ph

Ruiz said the PCO has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in tracking and shutting down fake news in the online sphere.

The Palace media chief said authorities have acted swiftly against early attempts to spread false information as part of the government’s intensified efforts to ensure clean and credible elections.

“At ngayon, iilan pa lang naman, at natunugan na natin kaagad, take down kaagad itong mga nagpapakalat ng fake news. Dapat po walang magpakalat ng fake news lalong-lalong na napaka-critical ng boto (And now, there are only a few, but we have already acted on them, we have taken down immediately those who spread fake news.

No one should spread fake news, especially when the vote is very critical),” Ruiz said.

“Lalung-lalo na napaka-critical ng halalan. Dahil sa demokrasya, yan po ang ating foundation ng demokrasya tulad ng Pilipinas (This election is very critical. That is the foundation of democracies, like the Philippines),” he added.