The Anti-Fake News Desk under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has enlisted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to track down and prosecute the operators of an online page and a website accused of disseminating harmful disinformation.
Although one of the targeted social media accounts purported to be a satirical outlet, authorities argue that its published material went beyond lighthearted commentary, generating “malicious and misleading content.”
The account raised alarm by publishing fake public announcements, including false reports claiming weeks-long suspensions of school and work schedules during severe southwest monsoon rains, as well as inaccurate updates concerning a high-tech government program.
Furthermore, the page unlawfully displayed the official presidential seal of Malacañang, misleading online users into accepting its posts as authorized state updates.
“Satire cannot be used as a shield for deliberately misleading the public. When false information is presented in a manner that could be mistaken for legitimate government information, it becomes a matter of public concern,” the PCO stated in its formal referral to the NBI.
The second investigation targets an internet portal that falsely advertised a ₱30,000 health assistance program purportedly administered by the Department of Health (DOH), tricking citizens into attempting to claim government funding.
In response to the scam, the DOH released an advisory on August 9 warning citizens against trusting the fraudulent portal.
While the problematic website has since been taken offline, the Anti-Fake News Desk confirmed that investigators successfully preserved digital evidence and records to support upcoming legal proceedings.
Government officials highlighted that deliberate creation and dissemination of deceptive material—particularly during an active State of National Energy Emergency declared via Executive Order 110—violates Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.
Violators may face heightened penalties under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 due to the digital transmission of the content.
The PCO reiterated its call for citizens to verify all claims and announcements against official government channels before resharing or taking action based on digital content.