By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday hailed the arrest of former broadcaster Jay Sonza, saying this reflects the government’s strong drive in combatting alleged online abuse and misinformation.
In a statement, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said the actions of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are a testament to the Marcos administration’s “firm and lawful response” against the spread of false information.
“It shows the government’s continuing effort to guard the truth, protect the public from deception, and preserve a free but responsible democratic space,” he said.
Gomez reminded the public that “public discourse must remain free, but it must also be truthful, fair, and orderly.”
The NBI filed cyberlibel complaints against Sonza for allegedly spreading fake medical documents of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
He was arrested on Thursday after the Pasay City Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant.
Gomez said the PCO, through its Oplan Kontra Fake News, would continue working with law enforcement agencies, the media, and responsible online platforms “to identify, investigate and prosecute those who disseminate falsehoods”.
This initiative, he added, should send a strong warning against peddlers of fake news from spreading misinformation.
“Misinformation undermines public trust, endangers lives and will be met with swift, lawful consequences,” he said.
The PCO earlier signed an agreement with the Department of Justice and the Department of Information and Communication Technology to curb the spread of fake news and hold its purveyors to account.
The PCO has submitted several cases of fake news to the DOJ for investigation and prosecution in court.
