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The Office of the President has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an investigation into three Facebook accounts suspected of spreading false information about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s health condition.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed on Tuesday that the administration is taking the matter seriously, having formally requested the DOJ to look into these social media accounts for potentially violating laws against spreading misinformation.
“We have already referred the matter to the Department of Justice for investigation,” Bersamin told reporters during a press briefing at Malacañang Palace. “The DOJ will determine what actions can be taken against these accounts under existing laws.”
The social media accounts in question reportedly circulated rumors claiming President Marcos was in serious health trouble, with some posts suggesting he had been hospitalized or was suffering from a grave illness. These claims gained traction on Facebook in recent weeks, prompting concern from government officials about the impact of such unverified information.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil emphasized that the rumors have no basis in fact. “The President is in good health and continues to perform his duties as head of state,” Garafil stated. “These malicious posts are clearly intended to create unnecessary public anxiety and undermine the administration.”
The investigation marks an escalation in the government’s response to what officials describe as a coordinated disinformation campaign. While the administration has previously dismissed health rumors through press statements, this referral to the DOJ signals a more aggressive stance against those spreading false information about the President.
Legal experts note that those behind the accounts could potentially face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which covers online libel and the spread of false information that causes harm or panic. Penalties under this law include imprisonment and substantial fines.
This is not the first time the Marcos administration has confronted health rumors. Since taking office in June 2022, the President has occasionally been the subject of speculation about his well-being, particularly during periods when he maintains a lower public profile or when scheduled appearances are postponed.
The Philippine political landscape has a long history of health-related rumors surrounding its leaders. Former President Rodrigo Duterte regularly faced speculation about his health throughout his term, while the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the current president’s father, was rumored to be seriously ill during his final years in power before his ouster in 1986.
Digital rights advocates have expressed concerns about potential overreach in the government’s approach. “While false information should be addressed, we must ensure that legitimate criticism and freedom of expression are protected,” said Maria Torres, director of the Digital Rights Coalition, a Manila-based advocacy group. “The investigation should focus on provably false claims rather than becoming a tool to silence dissent.”
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, play an outsized role in Philippine politics and public discourse. With one of the highest social media usage rates globally, the Philippines has struggled with the rapid spread of misinformation online, a problem that intensified during the 2022 presidential election campaign.
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has yet to comment on the specific investigation but has previously stated its commitment to reducing misinformation on its platforms through fact-checking partnerships and content moderation.
The DOJ has not provided a timeline for the investigation, though Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla acknowledged receiving the referral and assured the public of a thorough and impartial process.
Political analysts suggest the administration’s decision to pursue legal action reflects growing concerns about the potential impact of health rumors on market confidence and political stability, particularly as the administration approaches the midpoint of its six-year term.
As the investigation proceeds, the Palace has urged the public to rely on official communications channels for accurate information about the President’s activities and condition.
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