By Lane Afable, News Editor
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said a complaint will be filed this week against individuals behind alleged fake posts, as authorities finalize evidence and document patterns and trends of the surge of fake news.
Gomez said that the case is being built on a solid factual basis while stressing that personal interpretations of the content will not be used to avoid spreading misinformation.
“This week, we’re putting together all the pieces of evidence para handa na kaming magsampa ng reklamo para may solid na batayan ‘yung reklamo namin with regards to patterns in trends,” the PCO acting chief noted.
Gomez said that while there are observable online patterns, the government is exercising caution to avoid spreading unverified claims itself.
The PCO chief noted that several fake posts monitored over the weekend have already been included in the evidence being prepared, including the false claim about the health condition of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Gomez stressed that the government’s “Oplan Kontra Fake News” was launched months before tensions in the Middle East erupted.
During the MOA signing on Kontra Fake News with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Gomez underscored the broader mission of the initiative to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in combating online disinformation and holding accountable those responsible for spreading false information.
“We stand together today upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to continue our steadfast battle against fake news and disinformation, in defense of the truth and the integrity of information,” Gomez added.
“Hindi tayo narito para manahimik—narito tayo upang ipaglaban at pagtagumpayin ang katotohanan laban sa kasinungalingan,” the PCO chief said
Gomez noted that the agreement will enable faster coordination and a more efficient response to misinformation issues.
