DOJ, PCO, DICT sign MOA vs misinformation, deepfakes

Amid the rise of misinformation on social media, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for inter-agency coordination to address disinformation.

The MOA aims to combat online disinformation, false information, deepfakes, and other digitally generated or manipulated media.

It was signed by Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez, and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda.

“By coordinating our resources, we are building a deterrent against those who use technology to undermine our democratic processes and public safety,” Vida said in his speech.

“We draw a firm line between criminal disinformation and protected speech. Ensuring freedom of expression, the press, and open discourse, these remain inviolable under our Constitution,” he added.

EXPLAINER: What are deepfakes?

Last week, Gomez also asked the DOJ to initiate the filing of charges against individuals behind a social media page that allegedly spread false information.

For his part, Gomez said the government also seeks to promote the public’s constitutionally guaranteed right to accurate information.

“Hindi tayo narito para manahimik. Narito tayo upang ipaglaban at pagtagumpayan ang katotohanan laban sa kasinungalingan. Buhay ang nalalagay sa alanganin, kabutihan ng lahat ang nasasakripisyo, at tiwala sa demokrasya ang unti-unting nawawasak,” he said.

(We are not here to remain silent. We are here to fight for and uphold the truth against falsehood. Lives are being put at risk, the common good is being sacrificed, and trust in democracy is gradually being eroded.)

“Filipinos deserve better. They deserve information they can believe and trust,” he said.

When asked about misinformation involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Gomez said there was an increase in fake news regarding the president’s health over the weekend.

“We are currently in the process of compiling all the pieces of evidence. Hopefully, within the week, we will be able to identify the source of this fake news and file a complaint with the DOJ,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aguda said the DICT will handle cybersecurity and digital trust, as well as coordination with tech companies.

“Hindi na ito simpleng chismis. Ngayon, ang kasinungalingan ay puwedeng magmukhang totoo (This is no longer simple gossip. Now, falsehoods can appear to be true.) And it can mislead, divide, and erode public trust when clarity is most needed,” Aguda said.—MCG, GMA News