PCO warns vs fake news on energy supply, pricing

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Sunday warned the public against spreading fake news about energy security, supply, or pricing amid the soaring fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense,” PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement.

He added that publishing false news can lead to six months of imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. If done online, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

PCO’s filing of charges will be in coordination with the Department of Justice.

Gomez also urged the public to rely on official briefings and verified information to avoid being victims of fake news.

“To every Filipino on social media: stop and think before you post or hit 'share.' In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it,” Gomez said.

“We are intensifying monitoring of social-media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns,” he added.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier urged Filipinos to embrace “bayanihan” as the government provides measures to ease the burden of rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

“Ngayon ang panahon para maipakita natin sa buong mundo ang katangian ng bayanihan na nasa puso ng bawat Pilipino,” Marcos said in his vlog.

(This is the time to show the world the spirit of bayanihan that lives in the heart of every Filipino.)

Bayanihan is a Filipino cultural tradition representing communal unity, voluntary cooperation, and community spirit, where people help neighbors without expecting anything in return.

Diesel prices are expected to rise this week by P17 to P19 per liter, with regular diesel potentially reaching ₱165 per liter and premium diesel surpassing P170 per liter, as massive fuel price hikes due to the Middle East conflict are expected to continue. —KG, GMA News