PCO chief files complaints vs energy fake news peddlers

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has filed charges against a Facebook page for posting fake news about supposed energy lockdowns, a fuel shortage and a new COVID-19 variant.

Charges have been filed against persons behind “Malasakit News Pilipinas” for posting fake news “in a malicious desire to sow public panic and confusion and undermine public welfare and safety,” PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said.

Gomez visited the Department of Justice yesterday to submit the “results of our initial investigation so that they can conduct a more thorough probe, identify the culprits and file the proper charges in court.”

The Facebook posts were “blatant lies and fabrications that fall under the definition of ‘false news,’ the publication of which is deemed a crime punishable by up to six months in prison,” Gomez said.

The Oplan Kontra Fake News of the PCO’s Anti-Fake News Desk flagged the posts, he noted.

“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense,” Gomez warned.

Donation scams

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation on Monday warned the public against fraudulent schemes involving fake charity solicitations and spoofed identities of state officials and prominent personalities.

Criminal syndicates have been impersonating officials and non-government organizations to solicit sponsorships and donations through phone calls, text messages, emails and social media, the NBI said. — Mark Ernest Villeza