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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace official apologizes for posting fake proclamation on half-working day

Palace official apologizes for posting fake proclamation on half-working day

Published Dec 21, 2023 05:40 am

Presidential Assistant for strategic communications Cesar Chavez apologized for posting the fake proclamation declaring a "special (half-working) day" without verifying it.

Casar Chavez.jpg
New Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications Undersecretary Cesar Chavez (PTV photo)

In a Facebook post, Chavez said he takes full responsibility for sharing the unverified proclamation, adding "the blame should be on me."

"Apologies. I also posted a content that was not first verified by me. For the confusion, the blame should be on me. I take full responsibility for this," the newly-appointed presidential official said on Dec. 21.

His statement came shortly after Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil debunked the circulating “Proclamation No. 427” online, tagging it as "fake news."

The fake document declared the "half-working day" due to the expected heavy traffic throughout the country during the Christmas long weekend. The move would supposedly allow people to travel earlier and avoid the traffic.

The Official Gazette also belied the document, saying "it lacks official verification or recognition by the government." It encouraged the public to "rely on official government sources for accurate information and refrain from disseminating unverified claims."

Meanwhile, an official Proclamation No. 427 was issued on the same day, declaring nine artists as “Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023” in recognition of their distinctive skills, which reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence.

Chavez, a former Transportation Undersecretary, was appointed by President Marcos on Dec. 6 as the Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications under the Office of the President.

Related Tags

Fake News Cesar Chavez Cheloy Garafil Proclamation President Marcos
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