The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has lodged a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ against operators of a social media page accused of spreading false information about the country’s energy situation.
Acting Secretary Dave Gomez led the filing of charges against the Facebook page Malasakit News Pilipinas, which the PCO said posted content that caused public panic and confusion.
“We are asking the Department of Justice to investigate at least three ‘fake news’ posts, determine the persons who fabricated them, and bring them to court on behalf of the Filipino people to answer for the harm they have caused the public,” Gomez said.
The false claims identified include:
- An alleged “energy lockdown” promoting solar panel sales.
- A fabricated “fuel shortage” that reportedly led to hoarding of gasoline, diesel, and LPG.
- A supposed “emergency lockdown” linked to a non-existent COVID-19 Cicada variant.
Gomez noted that these posts fall under the definition of “false news,” punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.
He added that penalties are higher for offenses committed online under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The PCO’s Anti-Fake News Desk flagged the posts and submitted its findings to the DOJ for further investigation.