By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Wednesday warned of a potential surge in fake news as the 2025 midterm elections near, urging the public to stay vigilant and avoid becoming “keyboard warriors” spreading disinformation against the government.
Less than a week before millions of Filipinos head to the polls, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro raised concerns over the persistent use of fake news to undermine the Marcos Jr. administration and sow confusion among voters.
She said the spread of disinformation is not new and has long been used to discredit the government and the President.
“Hindi lamang po naglalabasan mga fake news ngayong papalapit ang eleksiyon. Matagal na pong naglalabasan ang mga fake news laban sa Pangulo, laban sa gobyerno,” Castro said in a press briefing.
She appealed to voters not to fall for malicious online content designed to sway public opinion through baseless attacks.
“Unang-una po na maipapayo ng administrasyon: maging mapanuri, maging mapagmatyag; at huwag ninyo pong ibenta ang inyong dignidad; huwag ibenta ang bansa sa ibang mga bansa na maaaring may interes dito sa ating teritoryo, sa ating soberanya,” she said.
The Palace official called out those who allegedly spread fake news with the sole intent of undermining the administration.
“Huwag ibenta ang bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagiging keyboard warrior at ang tanging maging trabaho o goal ay gumawa ng fake news para sirain at maging negatibo ang taumbayan sa ating Pangulo at sa pamahalaan,” she said.
Earlier, Sen. Francis Tolentino bared during a Senate inquiry that the Chinese Embassy paid Philippine-based Infinitus Marketing Solutions to create and operate troll farms in the country to spread disinformation, attack government officials, and promote pro-China narratives under fake social media profiles.
Castro also emphasized that criticism is allowed in a democratic society, but it must be based on facts and evidence.
“Ang pintuan po ng pamahalaan ay hindi naman po hahadlangan ang anumang mga kritisismo hangga’t mayroon pong basehan. Ang ingatan lang po natin ay ang mga fake news peddlers. Labanan po natin ang fake news para kayo po ay magkaroon ng magandang desisyon sa Mayo dose,” she said.
The midterm elections are set for Monday, with millions of Filipinos expected to vote for new members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and local government officials.
