By Lane Afable, News Editor
To combat the spread of fake news, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday announced plans to launch a website or online platform for the public to report instances of misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media and other digital channels.
In a Palace briefing, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the PCO will not tolerate the spread of fake news, adding that appropriate legal actions will be taken against those who will be found accountable.
“Gagawa ang PCO ng isang website o isang platform kung saan niyo isusumbong lahat ng fake news na nagkakalat at ‘yan ay hindi namin tutulugan at lahat ‘yan ay dapat sampahan ng kaso,” Castro said.
Last March, the PCO launched an Oplan Kontra Fake News initiative and established an Anti-Fake News Desk where citizens can report suspicious content for assessment and possible action by relevant agencies.
During its launch, nine major publishers, including Business Mirror, BusinessWorld, The Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, The Manila Times, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and The Philippine Star, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the PCO to intensify efforts against misinformation and disinformation.
PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said the collaboration will help strengthen the spread of verified information, rebuild public trust, and foster media literacy and critical thinking among the public.
Meanwhile, on April 7, the PCO formally referred at least three “fake news” posts to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation over the spread of false information concerning the country’s energy situation.
Secretary Gomez further warned that those who spread false information about the First Family may face legal action.
During the briefing, Castro also debunked fake news concerning the President’s health as well as the allegations of government inaction, noting that “kitang kita natin kung papaanong gumalaw ang Pangulo at kung papaano magtrabaho ang gobyerno.”
