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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Going after 'fake news' peddlers not a curb on free speech—Palace

Going after 'fake news' peddlers not a curb on free speech—Palace

Published Apr 17, 2026 01:44 pm
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro (RTVM)
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro (RTVM)

Malacañang clarified that its move to pursue legal action against “fake news” peddlers does not infringe on freedom of expression, stressing that only false and harmful content is being targeted.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after it recommended the filing of charges against three Facebook personalities for spreading false information about President Marcos’ health.

In a press briefing in Iloilo City on Friday, April 17, Castro said the government is not restricting legitimate speech but holding accountable those who deliberately spread disinformation.

“We are not curtailing anybody’s freedom of expression,” she said.

“Hindi po saklaw, at hindi po iyon ang pinipigilan natin (Freedom of expression is not what we’re after)—only those spreading fake news,” she added. 

Possible charges vs fake news peddlers

Castro said individuals spreading false information—particularly about the President’s health—may face multiple charges.

These include cyber libel, damages, and offenses related to disrupting public order.

“Maari silang pagbayarin ng danyos, makasuhan ng criminal cases at ma-issue-han ng warrant of arrest (They may be ordered to pay damages, face criminal charges, and be issued warrants of arrest),” she said.

Castro emphasized that the government’s action is not limited to a specific individual but applies to all who spread false information.

“Lahat po ng nag-i-spread ng fake news (All who spread fake news),” she said.

The PCO’s Anti-Fake News Desk has already endorsed cases against three vloggers to the authorities for further investigation.

These include the Facebook account “Iloy Bugris: The Queen of Revelations,” which conducted live broadcasts making unverified health claims about Marcos. The account also reportedly solicited money from viewers while presenting a fabricated medical document.

Another account, “Rigondola Ping,” was cited for posting manipulated images showing the President in a supposed state of physical distress. The PCO said the images were not real and were intended to mislead the public.

A third account, “Crage Anderpal,” allegedly posted a fabricated news graphic falsely claiming official confirmation of a serious health condition.

This follows the signing of a memorandum of agreement among the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Justice (DOJ), and PCO to strengthen efforts against disinformation.

“Na-endorse na po ng PCO for further investigation… kung may kaso, dapat managot sila (The PCO has already endorsed them for investigation… if there is a case, they should be held liable),” she said.

The DOJ said it will endorse the PCO’s report to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) if the evidence submitted warrants the filing of criminal charges.

‘They know it’s wrong’

Castro also took a firm stance against those involved in disinformation, saying they are fully aware of their actions.

“Alam nila na mali ang kanilang ginagawa… alam nila na naninira lamang sila (They know what they are doing is wrong… they know they are just maligning others),” she said.

She added that such individuals should face the consequences of their actions.

The Palace official said there is no need to issue warnings to fake news peddlers.

“Hindi na sila dapat warningan… they should face the consequences (They should no longer be warned… they should face the consequences),” she said.

Related Tags

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