As the administration looks to curb dis- and misinformation online.
On Saturday, April 11, the Presidential Communications Office disclosed that the Philippine government has required Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to implement stricter measures against “false and panic-inducing content” on its platforms, warning of possible legal action if the company fails to act swiftly.
In a joint communication to Mark Zuckerberg, Meta Platforms, Inc. chief executive officer dated April 10, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) issued a warning.
In which, they told Meta that the continued circulation of disinformation violates provisions under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act), as these pose risks to public order, economic stability, and national security.
“To ensure timely implementation, Meta is required to confirm receipt of this letter within 48 hours and to provide a detailed implementation plan of the measures outlined within seven calendar days from receipt of this letter,” stated DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez in their message.
They added, “Failure to take prompt and sufficient action shall constrain the Philippine Government to consider appropriate regulatory and legal measures, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and the Department of Justice, consistent with applicable laws and the State’s duty to protect public order and national security.”
Aguda and Gomez also emphasized in the letter that the Philippines is currently facing heightened economic and public vulnerability due to the ongoing global oil crisis, noting how the rapid proliferation of false, misleading, and panic- inducing content, especially those relating to oil prices, economic disruptions, and government action, pose a direct and escalating threat to public order, economic confidence, and national security.
“The scale and velocity of such content on Meta’s platforms significantly amplify these risks,” with the letter underscoring Meta’s legal liability.
The government had also identified several categories of harmful content still circulating online.
On top of that is the fabrication of medical status documents or announcements falsely alleging illness, incapacity, or death of senior government officials, particularly the President of the Philippines.
They also took noted of the false or misleading advisories reharding the energy supply, disinformation targeting financial institutions and payment systems, and misleading or fabricated pronouncements relating to law enforcement or military operations.
The officials also included narratives encouraging non-compliance with lawful government directives based on false premise and the coordinated inauthentic behavior targeting the government and its officials.
The persistence of these content categories, they told, “demonstrates that existing safeguards
are not commensurate with the current level of public risk.”
The letter also pointed out that the “malicious spread of false news that results in public panic, artificial price distortions, or disruption in the supply of essential goods unduly contributes to reports of illegal acts of price manipulation,” which is punishable under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act as amended, and other related statutes penalizing hoarding, profiteering, and market manipulation.
“In light of the foregoing, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), hereby requires Meta to immediately align with the Philippine Government on strengthened safeguards and response mechanisms,” the joint letter also noted.
According to Aguda and Gomez, they expect Meta to implement serious measures, with priority handling for content affecting public safety, economic stability, and national security.
Some of these are the enhanced proactive detection and suppression systems for high-risk disinformation, such as coordinated inauthentic behavior, and an expedited government-flagging and takedown protocol.
The letter also called for the designation of a senior-level, 24/7 coordination focal point to ensure real-time engagement on urgent cases, clearly defined escalation pathways, enforceable response timelines for high-risk content categories, and regular transparency reporting on enforcement actions taken regarding harmful content affecting the Philippines, among others.
“The Philippine Government remains prepared to engage constructively. However, given the urgency of the current situation, immediate, concrete, and verifiable action is expected,” the same letter noted.
REPORTING MECHANISM
To combat the spread of fake news, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced plans to launch a website or online platform for the public to report instances of misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media and other digital channels.
PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the agency will not tolerate the spread of fake news, adding that appropriate legal actions will be taken against those who will be found liable.
“Gagawa ang PCO ng isang website o isang platform kung saan niyo isusumbong lahat ng fake news na nagkakalat at ‘yan ay hindi namin tutulugan at lahat ‘yan ay dapat sampahan ng kaso,” she said.
Last March, the PCO launched an Oplan Kontra Fake News initiative and established an Anti-Fake News Desk where citizens can report suspicious content for assessment and possible action by relevant agencies, with the agency also signing a Memorandum of Understanding with major publications to intensify efforts against misinformation and disinformation.
Secretary Dave Gomez said the collaboration will help strengthen the spread of verified information, rebuild public trust, and foster media literacy and critical thinking among the public.
ALLEGED FAKE NEWS PROLIFERATORS REFERRED TO DOJ
Meanwhile, on April 7, the PCO formally referred at least three fake news posts to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation over the spread of false information concerning the country’s energy situation.
Gomez further warned that those who spread false information about the First Family may face legal action.
During the press briefing, Castro also debunked fake news concerning the President’s health as well as the allegations of government inaction.
“[K]itang kita natin kung papaanong gumalaw ang Pangulo at kung papaano magtrabaho ang gobyerno.”