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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Man nabbed in Cebu for spreading fake news on COVID-19

Man nabbed in Cebu for spreading fake news on COVID-19

Published Feb 16, 2020 12:00 am
By Calvin Cordova CEBU CITY—A male optometrist is facing charges for spreading fake news on COVID-19, the virus that has killed thousands of people in China. The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Central Visayas (RACU 7) is withholding the name of the optometrist pending the formal filing of charges today. Police Col. Marlo Castillo, chief of RACU 7, said that, for posting fake news on COVID-19, the optometrist violated Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code which penalizes the unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances. The Cebu Provincial Board has also approved a resolution penalizing individuals who will spread fake news about COVID 19 through social media, text messages and other means of communication. “Unlawful acts under Section 16 of this Ordinance shall be meted a fine not exceeding P5, 000. 00 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both at the discretion of the court,” read the resolution which was filed by Board Member Kerrie Shimura, who is the chairman of the Committee on Health. The ordinance will also penalize local or foreigners who will provide inaccurate information when filling up health declaration card upon arriving at the  Mactan Cebu International Airport. The provincial government of Cebu has sought assistance from Police Regional Office (PRO-7) and RACU 7 to help implement the ordinance.
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