Malacañang on Sunday warned that individuals spreading false information to exploit the country’s energy situation will face legal action, underscoring a “zero tolerance” policy against disinformation that could undermine public trust, disrupt the economy, and threaten national stability.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez urged citizens, media partners, and stakeholders to rely on official briefings and verified information disseminated to the public.
“Let us work together to prevent the manipulation of critical energy information for personal or political gain,” Gomez said in a statement.
“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,” the PCO secretary added.
“In light of the current energy landscape, we warn anyone who deliberately fabricates stories and spreads fake news online to exploit the situation that they will be held to account to the fullest extent of the law,” Gomez said.
Gomez reminded “users of social-media platforms that publishing “false news” is punishable by up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. When committed online, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.”
The PCO acting chief noted that, “Spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes our economy, and threatens the welfare of every Filipino during this time of energy emergency.”
Gomez added that, “There will be zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest.”
“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense. Our anti-fake-news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice, will file charges against those who flagrantly disseminate deceptive information or manipulate markets,” Gomez noted.
“We are intensifying monitoring of social media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns. This effort is conducted in close collaboration with our partners in the Oplan Kontra Fake News initiative of the PCO,” he added.
The PCO acting chief said the government remains steadfast in ensuring transparent, accurate, and timely communication about energy developments.
“Our ultimate obligation is to safeguard the stability of energy supply, protect consumers, and uphold democratic processes,” Gomez said.
The PCO acting chief added that the PCO will continue to deliver accurate, timely updates through verified platforms.
“We call on all citizens to reject disinformation, uphold truth, and stand united in resilience,” Gomez noted.