Congress-approved COVID-19 bill allows gov't to run after spreaders of 'fake news'

The measure that Congress passed to give President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to deal with the effects of coronavirus diseases 2019 in the country penalizes among others those spreading "fake news" about the crisis.

According to Section 6 (6) of the measure, "individuals or groups creating, perpetuating, or spreading false information regarding the COVID-19 crisis on social media and other platforms" may be punished with imprisonment of two months or a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P1 million, or both such imprisonment and fine, depending on the discretion of the court.

"Individuals or groups creating, perpetuating, or spreading false information regarding the covid-19 crisis on social media and other platforms, such information having no valid or beneficial effect on the population, and are clearly geared to promote chaos, panic, anarchy, fear, or confusion," the provision read.

Those participating in cyber incidents that make use or take advantage of the current crisis situation to prey on the public through scams, phishing, fraudulent emails, or other similar acts also face the same penalties.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed the "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act". It only needs the signature of Duterte to become law.

The provision was adopted on the floor during the special session of the Senate on Monday after the lawmakers deemed it best to reword and enumerate the punishable acts related to the health emergency.

No one manifested objection when Senator Pia Cayetano, sponsor of the bill, proposed the said amendments.

Also among those who may be penalized are local government officials disobeying national government policies or directives in imposing quarantines; and owners and possessors of privately-owned hospitals and medical facilities who "refuse to operate in accordance with the directive of the president"

Those engaged in hoarding, profiteering, injurious speculations, manipulation of prices, product deceptions, and cartels, monopolies are also covered by the penalties mentioned in the bill.

The refusal to provide 30-day grace periods for payments of loans, credit card dues, and residential rents is likewise punishable.

"If the offender is a corporation, association, partnership or any other juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, directors, managers, managing partners," the bill read.

If the offender is a foreigner, "he shall, in addition to the penalties herein prescribed, be deported without further proceedings."

Meanwhile, if the said violations were committed by public officials and employees, perpetual or temporary absolute disqualification from office will be meted out against them, in addition to the prescribed penalties. -NB, GMA News