The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is intensifying its fight against fake news with regular press briefings and new live discussions featuring government officials, officials said Monday.
This comes amid a surge of misinformation following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, including false claims about First Lady Liza Marcos.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that there is a thin line between free speech and sedition, adding that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not onion-skinned and does not get carried away.
“But if that element of inciting to sedition is there, which is of course without any tumultuous uprising but they are encouraging people to sow hatred to the government, to the President, then we have to step up,” Castro said.
She added that the PCO would only take action through legal means, but Marcos has not expressed any intention to do so and also called on mainstream media to help combat fake news.
“You are the ones who can tell if it’s fake [news], you are the ones who can do the fact check, you are also being believed because you have credibility, so if there is any fake news that comes out, let’s work together; this is for the people,” Castro said.
“This is very obvious that more fake news is lingering, maybe because of the present situation regarding the arrest of former President Duterte,” she added.
The PCO is increasing its use of live discussions with officials to clarify issues. Last week, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Major General Nicolas Torre III, Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty and Philippine National Police spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo discussed the circumstances of Duterte’s arrest.
Castro urged the public to “observe, think, and learn to evaluate” information on social media. She said the PCO is working with other government agencies to combat misinformation.
While the PCO is considering filing cases against those spreading fake news, Castro said no decisions have been made.
Duterte’s arrest has fueled political divisions, with supporters of Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. clashing online. Some Duterte supporters have called for Marcos’ resignation and rallies, while Marcos supporters have defended the administration.