Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval on Monday, Jan. 20, condemned the widespread use of fake news and disinformation targeting city government programs, activities, and services.
The disinformation, allegedly disseminated by certain groups, aims to manipulate public opinion for political gain.
Sandoval stressed the crucial role of accurate information in building trust and fostering community development.
"Kasabay po ng ating patuloy na pagbibigay ng tapat, maaasahan, at de-kalidad na mga programa ay mayroong mga ganitong 'fake news' na ating natatanggap hinggil sa ating pagseserbisyo para sa ating lungsod. Ngunit, nakakalugkot man na may mga ganitong pangyayari, nawa ay magsilbing babala ang mga ito para sa lahat sa atin upang tayo ay maging mapagmatyag, responsable, at matalino na gumagamit ng social media at bilang mga Malabueno (Alongside our continued commitment to providing honest, reliable, and high-quality programs, we encounter instances of 'fake news' related to our service to the city. While it is disheartening that such incidents occur, let this serve as a reminder for all of us to remain vigilant, responsible, and discerning users of social media, especially as Malabueños),” she said.
“Pinapaalalahanan po natin lahat na mag-ingat sa mga natanggap na mensahe at impormasyon lalo na kung ito ay kahina-hinala para na rin po sa kaligtasan ng bawat isa (We urge everyone to be cautious with messages and information received, especially those that seem suspicious, to ensure everyone's safety),” Sandoval added.
The mayor pointed out that these tactics aim to disrupt the local government’s efforts to achieve greater success for the Malabueños.
"Hindi naman na po bago ang mga taktikang gaya nito na layuning makagambala sa ating pagkamit ng iba't iba at mas marami pang tagumpay para sa mga Malabueno. Alam po natin kung ano ang totoo at makakaasa ho kayo na hindi natin hahayaang lumaganap ang maling balita na siyang humahadlang sa patuloy nating pag-unlad bilang isang bayang nagkakaisa at nagtutulungan (These tactics aimed at disrupting our efforts to achieve various and greater successes for the Malabueños are not new to us. We know the truth, and you can trust that we will not allow false information to spread and hinder our continuous progress as a united and collaborative community),” Sandoval added.
Sandoval also revealed that the city government had received reports of Facebook accounts impersonating her and her husband, former Congressman Ricky Sandoval. These fake accounts were allegedly sending friend requests and messaging individuals, asking for their phone numbers in exchange for a chance to win e-load promotions.
The fake accounts were allegedly sending friend requests and messaging individuals, asking for their phone numbers in exchange for a chance to win e-load promotions (Photo from Mayor Jeannie Sandoval's Official Facebook Page)
The local government has also warned residents about misleading posts from social media pages “Malabon Lubog” and “Malabon News,” which have been spreading false information about the mayor.
The mayor encouraged Malabueños to be critical thinkers when encountering misinformation, particularly on social media.
She also urged them to verify facts through official, legitimate sources, including the official Facebook pages of the city government.
Sandoval added that she also asked her lawyers to gather the information with an end-view of building up possible cases against the creators and purveyors of this fake news.
The mayor assured the public that the city government would continue providing high-quality services for all Malabueños.
"Kahit na may mga ganitong balita ay hindi tayo titigil sa pagbibigay ng de-kalidad na serbisyo para sa lahat ng mga Malabueno. Mga programang alam natin na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan na tiyak na ating palalawakin at papagandahin (Even with news like this, we will not stop providing high-quality services for all Malabeños. These are programs we know our people need, and we are committed to expanding and improving them further),” she said.
City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete also reminded residents to visit the city government’s legitimate social media pages for updates and announcements.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval - https://www.facebook.com/share/1B9vD7p8BR/
Malabon City Government - https://www.facebook.com/MalabonCityGov?mibextid=ZbWKwL