Padilla seeks probe into PCO’s alleged spreading of ‘unverified, misleading’ info

Senator Robin Padilla on Thursday filed a resolution, seeking an investigation into the alleged dissemination of “unverified, potentially propagandizing, and misleading information” by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). 

Under proposed Senate Resolution No. 188, Padilla noted that there have been circulating concerns regarding the PCO’s information dissemination “which have contributed to public confusion, misinformation, or misinterpretation of government actions and policies.” 

Padilla cited the instance where Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said that Vice President Sara Duterte's expression of readiness to replace President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. was a form of political destabilization.

The senator said that Castro’s statement “increases public agitation at a time when there is a need for caution and accuracy when handling sensitive political matters.” 

Padilla also criticized Castro for saying that Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman resigned from their posts. 

Bersamin later denied that he quit from the Cabinet, contrary to the statement of Malacañang.Padilla said that Bersamin’s denial raised "serious concerns regarding the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of public information disseminated by the PCO.” 

“These events collectively highlight the pivotal role of PCO in framing national issues and shaping public perception, underscoring the importance of responsible reporting, accurate messaging, internal vetting, and the duty of government to ensure clarity, reliability, and transparency of public information,” he added. 

He thus directed the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the matter. —LDF, GMA Integrated News