PCO's blurred photo of Marcos meeting sparks fake news; Gomez explains SOP

An official photo showing a projection screen purposely blurred by Malacañang has triggered false narratives on social media, prompting the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to clarify its protocols regarding documentation and release of images.

PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez explained Wednesday that the blurring of some portions of a photo taken during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) meeting was part of standard operating procedure (SOP).

"SOP ng aming mga photogs 'pag may naka flash sa screen to blur (It's our SOP for our photographers to blur images flashed on the screen). But in the interest of truthful reporting and to put to rest any malicious insinuations, in this particular case, I gave the green light," Gomez told Palace reporters, noting that the PCO already released an unblurred version of the photo. 

Gomez's remarks came after some netizens raised questions as to why the text on the presentation screen shown during Tuesday's meeting was blurred in one photo. 

Other netizens even falsely claimed that the photo was taken on April 15, 2024. GMA News Online and its social media platforms did not post such an image indicating this incorrect meeting date.

There were also multiple social media posts claiming that Marcos was either suffering from Stage 4 cancer or was confined in a private hospital.

Gomez said the surge of disinformation on social media, particularly about the health of the President, was meant to destabilize the government. 

He vowed that the PCO would take legal action, noting that complaints will be filed next week. — VDV, GMA News