The Philippine government has ordered Meta Platforms Inc. to tighten its grip on disinformation, following last week’s viral hoax on Facebook falsely claiming that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had died or was seriously ill.
In a joint letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg dated April 10, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) warned that the unchecked spread of such panic-inducing falsehoods could trigger legal consequences.
The Palace said the incident — featuring fabricated posts and fake medical bulletins about the President — highlighted the dangerous speed and scale of disinformation on Meta’s platforms.
“To ensure timely implementation, Meta is required to confirm receipt of this letter within 48 hours and to provide a detailed implementation plan of the measures outlined within seven calendar days from receipt of this letter,” stated the joint letter dated April 10, signed by DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez.
“Failure to take prompt and sufficient action shall constrain the Philippine Government to consider appropriate regulatory and legal measures, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and the Department of Justice, consistent with applicable laws and the State’s duty to protect public order and national security,” the letter added.
Authorities said the Marcos “death” hoax falls squarely under a broader pattern of harmful content still circulating online, including “fabricated medical status documents or announcements falsely alleging illness, incapacity, or death of senior government officials.”
The government stressed that such false narratives — especially when amplified on platforms like Facebook — can trigger public panic, distort markets, and erode trust in institutions.
The warning comes amid heightened economic anxiety driven by the ongoing global oil crisis.
“Rising fuel costs and increasing prices of essential goods have materially heightened public sensitivity to information related to economic stability and government response,” the DICT and PCO letter noted.
“In this environment, the rapid proliferation of false, misleading, and panic- inducing content — particularly those relating to oil prices, economic disruptions, and government actions — poses a direct and escalating threat to public order, economic confidence, and national security,” they said.
“The scale and velocity of such content on Meta’s platforms significantly amplify these risks.”
The government emphasized that these acts may fall under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, particularly when digital platforms enable or amplify the spread of false information.
“We note that commission of such criminal acts falls within the ambit of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, particularly where these are committed through digital platforms or involve aiding or abetting cyber-related offenses,” the letter stated.
Officials also warned that viral disinformation — such as fake advisories on fuel prices or fabricated announcements about government actions — can contribute to illegal market behavior punishable under Price Act.
To address the problem, the government is requiring Meta to roll out stronger safeguards, including faster takedown systems, tighter detection of coordinated inauthentic behavior, and a dedicated 24/7 coordination channel with Philippine authorities.
“The Philippine Government remains prepared to engage constructively. However, given the urgency of the current situation, immediate, concrete, and verifiable action is expected,” the letter noted.