PCO Flags Coordinated Disinformation Campaign Against Marcos – Daily Tribune

The Philippine government has detected what it calls a “coordinated” disinformation campaign targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, who addressed the issue during a media briefing on Wednesday.

“We’ve observed a pattern of coordinated attacks against the President. These are calculated efforts to undermine his leadership and the administration’s achievements,” Garafil said, speaking to reporters at Malacañang Palace.

The Communications chief revealed that the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has been monitoring online platforms where much of this negative content has surfaced. According to their analysis, the attacks appear systematic rather than random, suggesting an orchestrated effort to damage the President’s public image.

“What concerns us is not legitimate criticism, which we welcome in a democracy, but the deliberate spread of falsehoods designed to mislead the public,” Garafil explained. She emphasized that the administration respects free speech but draws the line at disinformation that can harm national interests.

The allegations come amid increasing political tensions in the Philippines, where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. With approximately 76 million active social media users in a population of 110 million, the Philippines ranks among the world’s most digitally engaged countries, making it particularly vulnerable to online disinformation campaigns.

Intelligence reports gathered by the PCO indicate that some of the disinformation narratives focus on misrepresenting economic policies, foreign relations decisions, and the administration’s handling of national security issues. Garafil noted that these attacks intensified following recent diplomatic engagements and economic policy announcements by the Marcos administration.

“We’ve tracked several false narratives gaining traction simultaneously across different platforms—this isn’t coincidental,” she said. “The timing and messaging patterns suggest coordination.”

The government has not publicly identified specific groups or individuals behind these alleged campaigns, but Garafil mentioned that investigations are ongoing. The PCO is working with cybersecurity experts and other government agencies to trace the sources of what they consider malicious content.

Political analysts suggest that disinformation has become an increasingly common tool in Philippine politics. Dr. Maria Coronel, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, told reporters that social media manipulation has been a feature of Philippine politics since the 2016 elections.

“What we’re seeing now is more sophisticated—it’s not just fake news but strategically timed narratives designed to create maximum impact and erode public trust,” Coronel said in a separate interview.

The Marcos administration has responded by ramping up its communication efforts, launching what it calls a “truth initiative” to counter false information with verified facts about government programs and policies. The PCO has been tasked with leading this initiative through various media channels.

Critics, however, warn against potential overreach in the government’s response to perceived disinformation. Some civil society groups have expressed concerns that efforts to combat “fake news” could be used to silence legitimate opposition voices.

“The line between combating disinformation and suppressing dissent can be dangerously thin,” said Carlos Mendoza, executive director of Digital Rights Watch Philippines. “Any response must respect constitutional freedoms and due process.”

The Philippines has struggled with the impact of disinformation on its democratic processes for years. During the 2022 presidential campaign that brought Marcos to power, fact-checkers identified numerous instances of misleading content circulating on social media platforms favored by Filipino users.

The PCO announced plans to work more closely with major social media companies to address the problem. Garafil said the government is establishing channels with platform representatives to facilitate faster reporting and removal of demonstrably false information.

“This isn’t just about protecting the President’s reputation—it’s about ensuring Filipinos can make informed decisions based on facts, not fabrications,” Garafil concluded.

The government plans to release a comprehensive strategy document outlining its approach to combating disinformation while protecting free speech in the coming weeks.