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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace to go after peddlers of false info on PBBM's health

Palace to go after peddlers of false info on PBBM's health

Published Apr 8, 2026 04:15 pm
Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez (MANILA BULLETIN | Mark Balmores)
Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez (MANILA BULLETIN | Mark Balmores)
Malacañang has bared plans to file complaints against those peddling false information about President Marcos' health.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said on Wednesday afternoon, April 8, that they are currently gathering evidence related to claims that the President is ill.
He further disclosed that they plan to file charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) by next week.
"Yung nagpapakalat (The spreading of rumors) on the health of PBBM, we’re collecting na all pieces of evidence and will initiate a complaint with the DOJ hopefully next week," Gomez said in a text message to reporters.
Since Monday, Malacañang has been clarifying that the President is doing well.
On Wednesday, it again dispelled rumors that the President was ill, saying his previous illness—diverticulitis—no longer affects him or his performance of day-to-day work.
Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that Marcos is not experiencing any health concerns at present, adding that his previous illness has made him more cautious about his diet.
Gomez's announcement about filing complaints against those peddling false information regarding the President's health came a day after the PCO chief filed charges against those spreading false energy lockdown advisories online.
After filing the complaint, Gomez said "no one will be spared" in Malacañang's fight against fake news, including those spreading false information attacking the First Family.

Taking down social media posts

In a radio interview, Gomez disclosed that the government has initiated talks with Meta which owns and operates social media platforms, regarding taking down fake news within their platforms.
"May mga initial engagements with them. Yung mga representatives ng Meta nakausap ko na rin at pinaliwanag nila sa atin na susuportahan nila tayo. Pinaliwanag lang nila yung proseso nila. Dapat meron silang sapat na ebidensya para i-take down yung post (There have been some initial engagements with them. I have also spoken with representatives from Meta, and they explained to us that they will support us. They just went over their process. They need to have sufficient evidence to take down the post)," Gomez said in an interview with DZBB on Wednesday.
According to him, Meta is "very cooperative" and "supportive" of the government's fight against fake news.
"So gagawan lang namin ng pormal na istraktura nang magkaroon ng pormal na mechanism para naman naoobserbahan natin yung due process (So we will just create a formal structure to establish an official mechanism so that we can ensure due process is observed)," Gomez added.
READ MORE: PCO chief files raps vs false energy lockdown peddlers

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