Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has denounced the attempts to railroad the government's response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly on "fake news" being peddled about the vaccination program against the said disease.
Andanar made the statement after people flocked to different vaccination sites in Metro Manila and Calabarzon on August 5, a day before the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), due to false information that the unvaccinated will not be allowed outdoors or will not receive cash aid.
In his statement, Andanar referred to the spread of false information as "deceitful" and "malicious."
"We denounce the attempts of certain individuals and/or groups to malign the government and cause public confusion by sowing fear in them on the government's response, particularly in the continued vaccination program and financial aid program amidst the ECQ implementation," he said Monday, August 9.
"These deceitful and malicious efforts are uncalled for and reprehensible given the threat posed by the Delta variant to our nation," he added.
The Palace officials asked the public to remain vigilant and always check with credible news sources.
"We, therefore, ask the public to refrain from subscribing to unreliable sources online or relying on information gathered through word of mouth," he said.
"We ask everyone to keep updated with truthful news, especially on the heightened quarantine restrictions implemented by the government, through news and information provided by the government via its media programs," he added
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has launched different programs to keep the public updated about the government's response to the pandemic. These shows included the "Laging Handa Public Briefing," "Network Briefing News," and "Laging Handa Dokyu," among others.
Andanar reiterated Malacañang's earlier statement that the Duterte administration has no policy or order that prevented unvaccinated but qualified recipients from getting financial aid from the government.
"Recipients to the program, regardless of vaccination status, are allowed to avail of it and physically receive it while we remain under heightened quarantine restrictions," he said.
"With the steady supply of COVID-19 vaccines in our country, we enjoin those who have not been vaccinated to coordinate with your respective LGU and barangay for the proper scheduling of your inoculation, and refrain from gathering and walking-in in various vaccination sites to minimize the possibility of COVID-19 infections," he added.
Meanwhile, he asked the public to stay at home and to continue following minimum health standards amid the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases.
"Only authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) are allowed to go outside of their homes. This is to minimize the transmission of the virus while we remain under ECQ," Andanar said.
"Please continue to adhere as well to the health protocols that are being implemented, such as the wearing of face mask and shield, safe physical distancing, and proper hygiene, among others, to ensure that we minimize contracting the virus," he added.