The agreement, signed by Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Dave M. Gomez, DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda, and Acting Justice Secretary Frederick A. Vida, establishes a whole-of-government approach to curb false information that threatens public safety, national security, and democratic institutions.

After the MOA signing held at the DOJ office, Gomez underscored the urgency of the initiative, saying, “We are confronting a rapidly evolving information landscape where truth is increasingly vulnerable to distortion and manipulation.”

The PCO chief emphasized that the effort protects public discourse, adding, “This initiative is not about curtailing free expression, but about safeguarding the Filipino people from malicious actors who exploit technology to deceive and divide.”

The MOA mandates joint efforts to detect, investigate, and prosecute deliberate online falsehoods under existing laws, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

For his part, Vida said, “Today marks a pivotal step in safeguarding our democracy from the shadows of digital disinformation.”

Vida warned that “Digitally mediated falsehoods… have emerged as potent weapons against our national stability.”

The acting justice secretary noted that enforcement will respect rights, saying, “Our commitment is clear: proactive defense, not overreach. We draw a firm line between criminal disinformation and protected speech.”

Secretary Aguda highlighted the evolving nature of threats, noting, “Hindi na ito simpleng tsismis. Ngayon, kasinungalingan can look real… divide, and erode public trust when clarity is most needed.”

Aguda emphasized shared accountability, adding, “This is not just government acting on its own. This is a national responsibility.”

The PCO will lead government communications, advisories, and media literacy campaigns, while the DICT will engage technology platforms, strengthen cybersecurity, and support reporting systems such as eGovPH.

On the other hand, the DOJ will evaluate cases for prosecution and coordinate international action against transnational disinformation.

An inter-agency steering committee will oversee implementation, ensure data protection, and publish annual reports.

The MOA affirms that all actions will uphold constitutional freedoms while promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness.

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.

This underscores the company’s strong confidence in the Philippine economy, as reaffirmed by MMC President and CEO Takao Kato during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Frederick Go at the Malacañan Palace Monday.

This strategic move accelerates the localization of advanced hybrid vehicle production, supporting the country’s goals for cleaner transport and higher-value manufacturing.

“This is a landmark investment that will redefine the future of our automotive industry. And the even more exciting possibility is that we could be an exporter of hybrid cars,” said Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go in a news release.

MMC is also looking at the possibility of exporting products from its Laguna plant.

By producing HEVs locally, the Philippines can reduce oil import dependence and cut urban emissions —while aligning with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and positioning the country for a seamless transition toward full electrification as battery costs decline and renewable energy capacity grows.

This kind of investment becomes more valuable during times of uncertainty, as it will create more job opportunities for Filipinos, while propelling the nation into a more sustainable and technological future.

The Board of Investments is currently finalizing the Electric Vehicle Incentives Strategy (EVIS) program for endorsement to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) and approval of the President. The initiative aims to accelerate investments and reinforce the Philippines’ position as an emerging hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and investment in the region.

The planned investment, discussed during a mid-March meeting with Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, underscores increasing investor confidence in the Philippines’ tech-driven growth story and its long-term economic fundamentals.

The Department of Finance (DOF) said the capital infusion is expected to expand access to funding for high-growth startups, enabling them to scale operations, generate jobs, and deliver more competitive products and services.

“Foxmont’s continued engagement with Philippine startups reflects strong confidence in the country’s long-term fundamentals and policies. Their investment will help our startups scale, strengthen Filipino talent, foster innovation, and build agile enterprises that deliver more accessible products and services to Filipinos,” Secretary Frederick Go said.

Foxmont, a Philippines-focused venture capital firm, is doubling down on the local ecosystem as momentum builds. The country’s startup sector attracted $1.5 billion in private capital in 2025, a 34% increase from the previous record of $1.12 billion, signaling stronger investor appetite for technology-enabled enterprises.

The firm is currently raising its third fund and aims to expand investments in companies addressing real market needs while driving inclusive growth.

“Foxmont’s planned investments into the Philippines reflect our continued conviction in Philippine companies that can drive productivity, scale efficiently, and compete in higher-value sectors. We see strong opportunities to work alongside partners across government and the broader ecosystem to deepen private capital’s impact on the economy,” said Foxmont Managing Partner Franco Varona.

Since 2018, Foxmont has deployed over ₱1 billion across two funds, backing startups in fintech, e-commerce, and digital platforms.

Despite recent gains, Foxmont noted that private capital in the Philippines still accounts for only 0.3% of GDP, leaving significant room for expansion. Its latest investment plan signals confidence that the country can further position itself as a competitive player in the global startup landscape.

The DOF, for its part, reaffirmed support for initiatives that attract venture capital and scale innovation-driven enterprises, viewing private capital as a key driver of job creation and long-term economic growth.

This urgency took center stage at the recent forum “Managing Cyber Risk in Critical Infrastructure Investments,” organized by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), where government and industry leaders warned that cyber threats tied to geopolitical tensions could directly impact economies, infrastructure, and public trust.

Speaking at the event, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Division Chief Apple Pre underscored that as digital connectivity expands, so too does vulnerability.

“And as we expand connectivity, we are also expanding the attack surface. And with that, more systems, more users, and more data will increase exposure to cyberattacks. And this is why cyber security cannot be an afterthought. It must be integrated from the start, which is by design and by default,” Pre said.

“Cybersecurity is a cross-bounding pillar. And whether we talk about digital governance, public-private partnerships, or infrastructure resilience, security is what enables this to function safely and reliably. And at its core, cyber security ensures the protection of critical systems, connectivity of services, and trust of citizen stakeholders,” she added.

Pre linked this directly to the Philippines’ rollout of the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), the country’s first infrastructure master plan for digital connectivity, which aims to strengthen interconnectivity while accelerating digital government services.

The forum also highlighted how ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are reshaping economic and policy priorities.

Chris Nelson, Executive Vice Chairman of the British Chamber, warned that global instability and domestic fiscal adjustments could weigh on growth, while emphasizing the need to push forward with key reforms.

“I think the other thing that particularly affects the Philippines at the moment, which we know had an impact on GDP, was actually the reduced government spending, which is in relation to the fact that much more controls have been put in place,” Nelson said.

“So, of course, we need to see that, but there has been a commitment to increased spending. So, I think the Philippines does stand there, but we would urge the Philippines to keep on with its legislation passages, particularly on e-commerce, on digital payments and, of course, on cybersecurity,” he added.

Among the key policy developments welcomed by the Chamber was the signing of the implementing rules and regulations of the E-Governance Act, seen as a cornerstone of the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

At the regional level, the Philippines, currently chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is positioning cybersecurity as a central pillar of cooperation, particularly as cyber threats grow more sophisticated and transnational.

Pre emphasized that building cyber resilience will require “stronger collaboration with private sectors, international, and ASEAN as well, so that the best practices, if it’s shared, we can be more equipped, especially because they have enhanced cybersecurity posture. So those things, actually, of course, with that, we can be more equipped as they give us training as well, and it can really develop the skills here in the Philippines.”

The forum is supported by Eastern Communications, KMC, and media partner The Philippine Business and News.

The event brought together women leaders from the private sector, government, regional associations, and the academe, including delegations from the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA), Sarawak Energy in Malaysia, and PacificLight in Singapore. Discussions highlighted the transformative role of women in advancing cybersecurity, promoting ethical artificial intelligence (AI), and ensuring accountable governance in an increasingly digital world.

Organized by Meralco’s Internal Audit Office, the forum featured prominent thought leaders such as Arlene A. Romasanta, Chief Information Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Rhea-Luz R. Valbuena, Executive Director of Asia Pacific College; and Zaida Angelita P. Lazaro, Chief Audit Executive of Steel Asia Manufacturing Corporation. They shared insights on building an ethical digital culture and showed how inclusive leadership strengthens governance, reduces organizational risk, and supports thriving digital ecosystems.

Leadership rooted in purpose, courage, and collective progress

In her keynote, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza emphasized that leadership today is defined by purpose and impact rather than title, particularly as AI, cybersecurity, and governance transform workplaces, societies, and institutions.

“Leadership is not defined by age, title, or sector, but by purpose, courage, and the impact we choose to make,” Oteyza said. “Across Asia-Pacific, women are not merely adapting to change—they are leading it.”

She also stressed the importance of shared responsibility in shaping a trustworthy digital future: “Progress is not achieved by women alone. It is accelerated when leaders of all genders—including our male allies—commit to inclusive leadership, shared accountability, and mutual respect.”

The forum continues Meralco’s broader efforts to cultivate future-ready leaders. Last year, the company launched an audit awareness program for students, bridging the gap between academe and industry. Through initiatives like She Leads 2026, Meralco advances women leadership, promotes responsible digital transformation, and strengthens its advocacy for safe, ethical, and inclusive governance across Asia-Pacific.

The two entities formalized the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating the development of high-capacity digital infrastructure within the ecozone.

Signed in Makati City, the agreement was led by APECO President and CEO Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and InfiniVAN President Shigeki Nakahara, with Naobumi Yokota of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines in attendance.

At the core of the partnership is the planned establishment of a terrestrial fiber backbone within APECO in Casiguran, Aurora, linking the ecozone to existing and upcoming international submarine cable landing points in Baler, Claveria, and other Northern Luzon corridors. This connectivity is seen as critical in attracting hyperscale data center investments and supporting the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) computing demand.

InfiniVAN, the Philippine subsidiary of Tokyo-listed IPS, Inc., currently operates one of the country’s most robust internet backbones, with over 20 Tbps of capacity across 10 international submarine cable systems—placing it among the top connectivity providers in the Philippines.

APECO said the initiative is expected to trigger a multiplier effect across industries, particularly in energy, as data centers require significant and reliable power supply. The ecozone is simultaneously advancing its clean energy portfolio to support these future requirements.

Taway emphasized that beyond infrastructure, the collaboration is expected to generate inclusive growth for Aurora.

“The convergence of digital and energy infrastructure will open up employment opportunities for local communities. While data centers operate with lean teams, they create strong demand across allied industries—driving jobs, skills development, and broader economic growth,” he said.

For its part, InfiniVAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting APECO’s long-term vision of building a future-ready economic zone powered by high-capacity and resilient connectivity.

“Our support reflects the IPS Group’s mission of opening doors of opportunity that benefit society at large,” said InfiniVAN Chairman Koji Miyashita.

The MOU also lays the groundwork for future commercial agreements, including the rollout of fiber optic backhaul infrastructure that will complement APECO’s expanding ecosystem of seaports, airports, and digital assets.

Strategically located along the Pacific seaboard, APECO is positioning itself as an emerging gateway for global digital traffic, aligned with the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in advancing national priorities on digital transformation, energy security, and economic decentralization.

The signing ceremony was attended by Aurora’s local government leaders, who also pledged full support for the initiative—underscoring a unified push to transform the province into a competitive investment destination in the digital economy.

“The challenges and opportunities from the twin digital and green transitions are felt much more in the Philippines,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

“Our focus is to ensure that training programs are accessible, especially for youth from low- to medium-skill backgrounds, who stand to benefit the most from these new job opportunities.”

Together with its partners, ILO is ramping up initiatives to ensure Filipino youth are not left behind, but instead positioned to benefit from new, higher-quality job opportunities.

At a DigiGreen construction skills partnership forum held on March 25, 2026 in Quezon City, government agencies, industry leaders, and training institutions aligned efforts to prepare young workers for a more technology-driven and environmentally sustainable construction landscape.

The urgency is clear. Construction, one of the country’s largest sources of employment, is rapidly evolving, with demand rising for workers who can navigate both digital tools and green building practices. Without targeted training, many risk being excluded from emerging roles.

Central to the initiative are two critical skill areas: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green construction.

BIM—a digital system that enables more efficient design, planning, and management of buildings—is fast becoming a global industry standard. It is already required in large-scale projects in countries such as Korea, Singapore, and Dubai, signaling a shift toward higher productivity, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

“BIM and green construction skills are among the most important starting points for leveraging the digital and green transitions to improve youth employment in this sector,” said Hochul Shin, Chief Technical Adviser of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme.

For young workers, acquiring these competencies can open doors to more specialized roles, better wages, and more stable career paths — moving beyond traditionally informal and precarious construction work.

To help bridge the gap between training and employment, the forum also marked the formal handover of learning modules to key Philippine institutions, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), and the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA).

The initiative forms part of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme’s Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN project, aimed at future-proofing the region’s workforce amid rapid economic and environmental shifts.

The Nordic countries and the Philippines marked a significant milestone in their growing partnership with the inaugural celebration of Nordic Day in Manila on March 24, highlighting shared priorities in innovation, sustainability, and people-to-people ties.

Hosted by the Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, together with the Consulate General of Iceland, the event underscored the Nordic region’s long-standing tradition of regional integration and its relevance to deepening engagement with the Philippines.

Nordic Day commemorates one of the world’s oldest and most enduring models of regional political cooperation—uniting Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland. Formalized through the 1962 Helsinki Treaty, this collaboration has evolved into a globally recognized framework for governance, innovation, and social development, anchored by institutions such as the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Bringing this spirit to Manila under the theme of creativity and innovation, the celebration highlighted how Nordic expertise aligns with the Philippines’ push for economic transformation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

In a joint statement, Nordic ambassadors emphasized that their cooperation is grounded in shared democratic values. Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin noted that trust remains at the core of the Nordic model.

“The Nordic family is united by trust—in our institutions and in the idea that inclusive societies create stronger economies. Despite the distance, our partnership with the Philippines is one of conviction, bound by respect for human dignity and accountable governance,” he said.

Amid evolving global uncertainties and challenges to the international order, Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen stressed the importance of collaboration in security and governance.

“Only bridges, not walls, will make us stronger. We will continue to work together to counter disinformation, enhance cybersecurity, and support peacebuilding efforts in the country,” she said.

Economic cooperation also featured prominently, with Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster pointing to growing Nordic investments in the Philippines as reforms improve the business environment.

“Trade is not just the exchange of goods, but also of opportunity and transformation—green, digital, and healthier. Nordic companies’ investments are a vote of confidence in our shared future,” he said.

Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry highlighted the human dimension underpinning the partnership, emphasizing the role of education, cultural exchange, and professional collaboration in strengthening long-term ties.

“At the heart of our relationship are the people who connect our nations. Through these exchanges, we deepen understanding and build enduring partnerships,” she said.

The launch of Nordic Day in Manila was supported by 18 Nordic and Filipino partners, led by BDO, Nokia, and Saab, signaling strong private sector backing for closer engagement.

More than a celebration, Nordic Day establishes a new platform for advancing Nordic-Philippine cooperation—positioning it as a shared investment in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

“We look forward to the seamless implementation of these rules, ensuring that the benefits are felt by the business and investment community,” the ECCP said in a statement.

Finalized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) earlier this week at the Asian Development Bank headquarters, the IRR signals what the Chamber described as a “turning point” for nationwide digitalization and the streamlining of public service delivery.

For the Philippine-European business community, the ECCP said the development is expected to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the country’s position as an attractive investment destination.

The Chamber has long advocated for the digitalization of government services as a way to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and promote transparency. It noted that the mandate to develop and implement an E-Government Master Plan provides a clear framework for harmonizing digital initiatives across national government agencies and local government units.

The ECCP also expressed support for efforts to strengthen the country’s digital workforce, particularly through the expansion of the ICT Academy, which aims to equip Filipinos with the specialized skills needed to manage and sustain digital infrastructure.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government, including the DICT and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), as well as other stakeholders, to ensure the effective and seamless implementation of the new rules.

The ECCP is a multilateral foreign chamber that promotes European business interests in the Philippines while fostering stronger economic ties between Europe and the country.

With close to 1,000 member companies and strong partnerships with government institutions, the Chamber serves as a key platform for business dialogue and collaboration, helping translate policy developments into tangible economic opportunities.