PCO: Zero tolerance for fake news peddlers amid energy emergency

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez (PNA file photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Malacañang (PCO) on Sunday warned against the spread of fake news related to the country’s energy situation, saying violators will face legal consequences.

In a statement, Acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said individuals who deliberately fabricate and disseminate false information to exploit the ongoing energy challenges will be held accountable “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes our economy and threatens the welfare of every Filipino,” Gomez said.

The statement came after the Palace flagged a viral social media post that urged the public to stock power banks, solar equipment, flashlights, candles, food, medicine and water for an “energy lockdown” starting April 20. The post also encouraged users to share the information.

Another post announcing an “emergency lockdown” starting April 10 also made its rounds on social media, supposedly due to the Covid-19 Cicada variant, a post the Department of Health denied.

He reminded the public that publishing false news is punishable under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, with penalties of up to six months imprisonment. When committed online, penalties may be doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Gomez said there will be “zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest.”

“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense,” he stressed.

The Palace media arm also said it has intensified monitoring of social media platforms and information channels to detect and counter disinformation campaigns, particularly those that may mislead the public on energy supply, pricing and security.

Gomez said the agency’s anti-fake news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice, is prepared to file charges against individuals found spreading deceptive information or attempting to manipulate markets.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a one-year state of national energy emergency as the government implements measures to address the impact of global oil price volatility amid tensions in the Middle East.

The PCO urged the public to rely on official sources and verified information, emphasizing the need for responsible use of social media.

“To every Filipino on social media: Stop and think before you post or hit ‘share’,” Gomez said.

“In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it.”