THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has formally issued subpoenas to three vloggers accused of disseminating untrue information concerning the health status of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Malacañang confirmed on Monday.
This action marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to address the circulation of misleading content online, following formal complaints and requests for investigation filed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the necessary documents and evidence submitted by the PCO to launch a full and immediate inquiry have already been turned over to the bureau.
“Ang binigay na dokumento ng PCO para sa agarang malalimang pag-iimbestiga sa mga vloggers na nagpakalat ng peke patungkol sa kalusugan ng ating Pangulo ay nai-forward na sa NBI,” Castro stated. She added that the required legal process has since moved forward, noting that subpoenas have already been served to the concerned individuals to ensure they appear and cooperate in the proper conduct of the investigation.
The case originated on April 15, when the PCO endorsed the matter to the Department of Justice, identifying three specific Facebook accounts responsible for spreading the disputed information.
Details provided by the communications office outlined the nature of the alleged violations: one account held live broadcasts claiming the President was in critical medical condition, another shared edited or manipulated photographs showing him in a state of physical distress, while a third published false reports claiming that official sources had confirmed the existence of a serious health issue. Authorities have yet to release further information regarding the identities of the individuals involved or the specific laws they are suspected to have violated, as the inquiry remains ongoing.
metrosundaily
