Bello seeks probe of fake Facebook account

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III is seeking an investigation of a social media account using his name to solicit money.

In a statement yesterday, Bello said he asked the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a probe and identify those behind the fake Facebook account.

“It is lamentable that some people would resort to this despicable scheme to besmirch my name for their advantage. And it is doubly deplorable that they would use falsehood and deception to victimize others in this time of crisis,” Bello said.

Bello has been using an official Facebook account since 2010. The fake account carries the name “Silvestre H. Bello III” with a photo and some official and personal details of the labor chief.

The account’s background photo shows the tarpaulin of the Department of Labor and Employment’s flagship program TUPAD during a cash aid payout in Tarlac with Gov. Susan Yap.

The account has drawn unsuspecting government officials and friends of Bello. It has 1,211 friends.

The fake account was brought to Bello’s attention when its creator posted an appeal for people to donate to his community pantry.

In other posts, the creator claimed Bello was running for senator and bared bank account details and a mobile number.