Palace to Zarate: Prove claim fake FB accounts ‘prelude to crackdown’ on activists

Malacañang on Monday challenged Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate to prove his claim that fake Facebook accounts might be used to target activists once the bill seeking to strengthen the anti-terror law is enacted.

In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque asked Zarate to file charges before the appropriate bodies.

“If Cong. Zarate has the evidence, file the corresponding charge. Pero sa panahon po ng pandemya, sana iwasan na iyong mga ganitong conclusions na wala namang ebidensiya,” Roque said.

The National Bureau of Investigation, National Privacy Commission, Philippine National Police and Facebook are currently looking into the proliferation of fake accounts.

PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said Monday that the probe would look into allegations that those who have dummy accounts are the ones who voiced their opposition to the anti-terror bill, which is awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Concerns have been raised that the proposed measure might be used to target individuals that expressed dissent against the government. 

"Are these deliberate manufacture of numerous fake activist poser accounts prelude to a crackdown, especially once the terror bill becomes a law?" Zarate asked on Sunday.

"This is another reason to junk the terror bill because it would easily haul innocent people to jail being framed by unscrupulous groups and individuals. An investigation should also be done on this matter and Facebook should immediately shut down these fake accounts,” he said.

Facebook has encouraged the public to continue reporting accounts they believe may be inauthentic. —LDF, GMA News