The heated political climate has resulted in the populace being assaulted by a deluge of fake news coming from all sides of the partisan spectrum.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his communications team took the initiative to warn Filipinos to sift through the confused stream of information to prevent being deceived.

The Daily Tribune shares the President’s crusade against lies and deception and, through a partnership with the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Communications Office (PCO), summarizes the week’s itinerary of the Chief Executive:

17 March

Beware of fake news, disinformation

Malacañang reiterated its warning to the public about the spread of fake news and disinformation, particularly regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte by agents of Interpol.

In a briefing, the PCO said it is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to pursue fake news peddlers.

As fake news flooded social media, the PCO acknowledged the role of the press, particularly mainstream media, in combating misinformation. It urged mainstream media to assist the government in containing and fighting fake news and disinformation.

18 March

Farmers should sell palay directly to NFA

Farmers can sell their palay directly to the NFA for better prices, Malacañang said. The PCO indicated that farmers should coordinate with the LGUs to bring their palay to the NFA buying stations.

Citing Department of Agriculture records, the PCO said the country recently had low rice imports, and local traders may influence current palay prices.

It said the DA is addressing farmers’ concerns about the lack of transport for hauling palay, noting that the agency is procuring transport vehicles.

The DA is currently conducting a bidding, and once trucks are available farmers will be able to sell their palay directly to the NFA.

Improved internet link needs cooperation

The government will work with the private sector to improve internet connectivity in the country, including a possible partnership with private telecommunications companies.

The PCO said the government is determined to bring internet infrastructure to remote areas.

In Tacloban City recently, President Marcos said the government is developing a new system to improve internet access in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

The PCO said the government plans to build additional towers or use satellite connections.

Roque’s claims rebutted

Malacañang rejected the claim of Harry Roque, former president Duterte’s spokesperson, that the government is persecuting him.

Roque is facing possible criminal prosecution on evidence linking him to the illegal activities of shuttered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

He recently surfaced in the Netherlands to extend legal support to the detained former president. He said he would seek political asylum in the European country following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest by the House of Representatives.

The House is seeking Roque’s arrest for his failure to appear in a congressional inquiry on POGO activities in the country.

The PCO said Roque’s application for political asylum in the Netherlands would not affect the human trafficking case or the arrest warrant issued by the House.

Calls for nuclear test ban backed

The President pledged on 18 March to a senior official of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) that he would persuade several countries to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to make the world safer from the nuclear threat.

Marcos made the commitment to Robert Floyd, CTBTO executive secretary, during the anti-nuclear official’s courtesy call on Malacañang.

19 March

Inaction on EJK led to Duterte’s arrest

The failure of former president Duterte to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his administration culminated in his arrest and transfer to the ICC in the Netherlands, Malacañang said on 19 March.

In November 2021, the Duterte administration asked the ICC to suspend its investigation into the war on drugs, assuring that it would conduct its own investigation and hold those found liable accountable.

In June 2022, before President Marcos assumed office, the ICC prosecutor said the Duterte administration fell short of its commitment to undertake an investigation and charge the EJK perpetrators. The PCO said this failure prompted the ICC to resume its inquiry.

Duterte is now in ICC custody in The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity related to the violent war on drugs during his administration.

20 March

Promote culture, uniqueness

Every region in the Philippines has its own distinct culture and unique offerings worthy of recognition, the PCO said.

This is why the President vetoed a bill declaring Pampanga as the culinary center of the Philippines.

The PCO said the goal is to recognize and promote the diverse cultures and uniqueness of all regions.

The President’s decision removed the connotation of the region and province being the only best food destination for tourists.

PCO inks MoA vs fake news

The Presidential Communications Office signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to fight fake news and misinformation.

The PCO will also leverage the expertise of Scam Watch.