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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace warns fake news peddlers amid energy woes: We will file charges

Palace warns fake news peddlers amid energy woes: We will file charges

Published Apr 5, 2026 12:43 pm  |  Updated Apr 5, 2026 02:09 pm
Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez (MANILA BULLETIN | Mark Balmores)
Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez (MANILA BULLETIN | Mark Balmores)
Sowing confusion by spreading fake news online while the country is under an energy emergency "will be treated as a serious offense," Malacañang said, warning erring online users that it will press charges.  
In a statement on Sunday, April 5, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez warned those who deliberately fabricate stories and spread fake news online to exploit the situation, saying "they will be held to account to the fullest extent of the law."
"There will be zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest," Gomez said.
"Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense," Gomez added.
Gomez further warned that the anti-fake news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), "will file charges against those who flagrantly disseminate deceptive information or manipulate markets."
The PCO chief reminded social media users that publishing “false news” is punishable by up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.  
When committed online, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, he added.
He stressed that spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes the country's economy, and threatens the welfare of every Filipino during this energy emergency.
The warning from Malacañang's communication arm came after a false advisory about an energy lockdown was proliferated online.
"We are intensifying monitoring of social media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns," Gomez said.
The Palace official also urged citizens, media partners, and stakeholders to rely on official briefings and verified information.
"Let us work together to prevent the manipulation of critical energy information for personal or political gain," he said.
He also called on social media users to "stop and think before you post or hit share."
"In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it," Gomez said.

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