By Marjaleen Ramos
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Tuesday appealed to the public to stop spreading fake news on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo- Puyat (ALBERT GARCIA / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Faster than the spread of COVID-19, is the spread of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation on social media. We appeal to the public to stop sharing fabricated and unverified news on COVID-19 as it has caused unnecessary panic," Puyat said.
She warned that those behind the spread of false reports can be charged for violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 and Section 4 (c) 4 (Online Libel) of the Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Puyat said the Philippine National Police has already filed several cases against persons behind the proliferation of fake news.
As of Wednesday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has reached 33.