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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCO chief files raps vs false energy lockdown peddlers

PCO chief files raps vs false energy lockdown peddlers

Published Apr 7, 2026 02:21 pm
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez files charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against fake news peddlers spreading false information amid the energy situation in the country on April 7, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MPC)
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez files charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against fake news peddlers spreading false information amid the energy situation in the country on April 7, 2026. (Photo courtesy of MPC)
Presidential  Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez has filed charges against those behind the spread of false energy lockdown advisories online.
Gomez lodged the complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, against the administrators of a Facebook page they deem responsible for the recent spread of fake energy lockdown advisories on social media.
While Gomez said they have yet to identify the individuals behind the page that published the fake advisories, he said they filed the complaints to urge the DOJ to look further into the misinformation attempts.
"Today, upon the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Presidential Communications Office is giving teeth to our warning. We are initiating the filing of charges against the persons responsible for the Facebook page 'Malasakit News Pilipinas' for posting fake news in a malicious desire to sow public panic and confusion and undermine public welfare and safety," Gomez said in an interview after filing the complaint.
"We are submitting to the DOJ the result of our initial investigation so that they can conduct a more thorough probe, identify the culprits, and file proper charges in court," Gomez added.
According to the PCO head, they are asking the DOJ to investigate at least three fake news posts such as a fabricated "energy lockdown" designed to scam the public into buying solar panels, a manufactured “fuel shortage” meant to sow panic by inducing the public to stock up on gasoline, diesel and LPG, and an invented “emergency lockdown” on account of an imagined Covid-19 Cicada variant.
"All these posts are blatant lies and fabrication that fall under the definition of false news, the publication of which is deemed a crime punishable up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code," Gomez stressed.
"And because it is committed online, the penalty is higher under the Cybercrime Prevention Act," he added.
The filing of complaints came after the PCO issued a stern warning that anyone who deliberately fabricates and spreads fake news over the Internet to advance personal and political interests during this energy emergency will be held accountable to the full extent of the law.

No one will be spared

Gomez further said that "no one will be spared" in Malacañang's fight against fake news, including those spreading false information attacking the First Family.
"Yes, no one will be spared. Basta mapatunayan namin na fake news (As long as we prove that these are fake news), we will file charges against them," he said.
The Palace official reminded social media users anew that the "government will exercise zero tolerance for those who deliberately spread utter falsehoods and fabricated contents."
"Any attempt to mislead the public about the energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense," he said.
"We will not let you get away with a crime. We will go after you and hold you to account," he added.

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