PCO files charges vs FB page spreading false info amid energy crisis

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Tuesday filed charges against individuals behind a social media page that allegedly spread false information amid current energy challenges.

Acting Secretary Dave Gomez led the filing of charges before the Department of Justice against personalities behind the Facebook page “Malasakit News Pilipinas,” which was accused of posting fake news intended to sow panic and confusion and “undermine public welfare and safety.”

“We are asking the Department of Justice to investigate at least three ‘fake news’ posts, determine the persons who fabricated them, and bring them to court on behalf of the Filipino people to answer for the harm they have caused the public,” Gomez said.

Gomez said the posts include the following:

• A fabricated “energy lockdown” designed to scam the public into buying solar panels;
• A manufactured “fuel shortage” meant to sow panic and prompt the public to stock up on gasoline, diesel, and LPG; and
• An invented “emergency lockdown” supposedly linked to an imagined COVID-19 Cicada variant.

He said the posts were “blatant lies and fabrications,” which fall under the definition of “false news,” the publication of which is punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Because it is committed online, the penalty is higher under the Cybercrime Prevention Act,” he added.

Gomez said the posts were flagged by the PCO Anti-Fake News Desk, noting that the results of the probe will be submitted to the DOJ for further investigation.

“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense. We will not let you get away with a crime. We will go after you and hold you to account,” Gomez said.

He added that the PCO is intensifying monitoring of social media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns.

“Our ultimate obligation is to safeguard the stability of energy supply, protect consumers, and uphold the public’s right to true and accurate information,” Gomez said.—MCG, GMA News