Malacañang announced plans to trace the source of a fraudulent memorandum circular circulating across social media platforms that falsely claimed on-site government work and classes were suspended on August 17.
The forged document purported that public offices and educational institutions throughout Metro Manila and 12 nearby provinces were directed to implement flexible work schemes owing to heavy downpours brought by the southwest monsoon.
Addressing reporters in a press briefing on Monday, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that authorities are looking into the origin of the fake directive and will pursue appropriate action against those responsible.
“Sa ngayon ay inaaral po natin iyan at ang sabi nga po natin lahat ng mga nagbibigay ng mga ganitong klaseng mga impormasyon na maaaring makaapekto sa ating mga kababayan ay hindi po palalagpasin,” Castro said.
Castro also expressed frustration over the widespread prevalence of deceptive online content impacting the public.
“So, aalamin po natin kung saan ito nanggagaling at medyo ang bansa po natin talaga ay bugbog na bugbog na sa fake news,” Castro said.