THE Presidential Communications Office (PCO) issued a stern warning on Sunday against the public dissemination of fake news concerning energy security, supply, or pricing, particularly in light of the current surge in fuel costs driven by the Middle East conflict. PCO acting secretary Dave Gomez stated that any attempt to deliberately mislead the public and create confusion regarding energy matters would be treated as a serious offense.
This warning comes as the nation grapples with the economic impact of rising fuel prices, and the government seeks to maintain public order and trust.
Gomez further elaborated on the legal ramifications of spreading false information, citing Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which stipulates a penalty of up to six months imprisonment for publishing false news.
He also pointed out that the Cybercrime Prevention Act doubles the penalty for disseminating such misinformation online. The PCO intends to coordinate with the Department of Justice in filing charges against individuals found to be engaging in such activities. This proactive stance aims to deter the spread of disinformation and hold those responsible accountable for potentially causing public harm.
The PCO is urging the public to exercise caution and critical thinking, especially when consuming information on social media. Gomez advised citizens to rely on official government briefings and verified sources to avoid becoming victims of fake news. He implored social media users to “stop and think before you post or hit ‘share’,” emphasizing that in these challenging times, sharing unverified posts can lead to significant public harm. The PCO is actively intensifying its monitoring of social media and information ecosystems to detect and counteract deliberate disinformation campaigns.
In parallel, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called upon Filipinos to embrace the spirit of “bayanihan,” a core Filipino value of communal unity and voluntary cooperation, as the government implements measures to alleviate the burden of rising fuel prices. The President highlighted the importance of showcasing this unique Filipino trait to the world during these trying times. While the government works on providing support, the PCO’s warning points out the importance of accurate information and collective responsibility in navigating the current economic challenges exacerbated by the Middle East conflict.
