In light of the current energy landscape, we warn anyone who deliberately fabricates stories and spreads fake news on-line to exploit the situation that they will be held to account to the fullest extent of the law.
We remind users of social-media platforms that publishing “false news” is punishable by up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. When committed on-line, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175).
Spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes our economy, and threatens the welfare of every Filipino during this time of energy emergency.
There will be zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest.
Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense.
Our anti-fake-news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice, will file charges against those who flagrantly disseminate deceptive information or manipulate markets.
We are intensifying monitoring of social-media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns.
This effort is conducted in close collaboration with our partners in the Oplan Kontra Fake News initiative of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The government remains steadfast in ensuring transparent, accurate and timely communication about energy developments.
Our ultimate obligation is to safeguard the stability of energy supply, protect consumers and uphold democratic processes.
We urge citizens, media partners and stakeholders to rely on official briefings and verified information. Let us work together to prevent the manipulation of critical energy information for personal or political gain.
To every Filipino on social media: stop and think before you post or hit “share.” In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it.
The PCO will continue to deliver accurate, timely updates through verified platforms. We call on all citizens to reject disinformation, uphold truth, and stand united in resilience.
