PCO Refutes Spread of ‘Fake News’ Allegations

In a resolute stance against misinformation, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil Gomez outlined the administration’s approach to government communication, emphasizing substance over political rhetoric.

“My guiding principle remains simple: the three P’s minus one. Programs and policies minus the politics,” Gomez stated during a recent public forum. The PCO chief highlighted that the office prioritizes communicating government initiatives and public service achievements without political framing, maintaining focus on actual deliverables rather than partisan messaging.

The administration has formalized its commitment to combating disinformation through a recently signed memorandum of agreement between the PCO, Department of Justice, and Department of Information and Communications Technology. This trilateral partnership establishes a specialized response mechanism designed to hold accountable those responsible for disseminating false information, particularly content that misrepresents government initiatives across various sectors.

Speaking at the “Steward of Public Trust: The Fight Against Fake News” forum organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines at Rockwell Center in Makati City on April 14, Gomez revealed that the PCO would announce the results of its initial investigation into alleged purveyors of fake news targeting the government, including specific cases to be filed against identified individuals.

The spread of misinformation in the Philippines has accelerated in recent years, coinciding with increasing internet penetration rates and social media usage among Filipinos. According to recent data, approximately 76 million Filipinos are active social media users, representing nearly 70 percent of the population, making digital platforms fertile ground for both legitimate information and misinformation campaigns.

Gomez specifically addressed the role of major digital platforms such as Meta, Google, and TikTok in the information ecosystem, noting that these remain the primary sources of information for many Filipinos. While acknowledging that these platforms have established reporting and escalation processes for flagging false content, the PCO secretary indicated that measures exist to limit the reach of viral posts once they are identified and verified as misinformation.

The Philippines has witnessed several high-profile cases of misinformation campaigns in recent years, some targeting government programs and officials, while others have aimed to undermine public health initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. These campaigns have ranged from coordinated efforts to individual actors amplifying false narratives across social media platforms.

Despite facing criticism and misinformation campaigns online, Gomez asserted that the administration will not resort to trolling tactics in response. The PCO chief emphasized her commitment since assuming office to uphold truthful communication standards and assist the public in developing stronger information discernment skills amid the complex digital landscape.

The government’s approach reflects growing concern about the impact of misinformation on democratic processes and governance worldwide. Studies indicate that false information can spread up to six times faster than factual content on social media platforms, underscoring the challenge facing authorities and information providers.

While acknowledging the amplification power of social media, Gomez expressed skepticism about online virality translating into genuine political influence, particularly regarding the upcoming 2028 elections. This perspective suggests the administration believes authentic governance achievements will ultimately resonate more strongly with voters than digital messaging campaigns.

The PCO’s initiatives against misinformation come at a critical time when trust in institutions faces significant challenges globally. By formalizing partnerships with justice and technology agencies, the administration appears to be taking a comprehensive approach to information integrity that combines communication strategy with enforcement mechanisms against those deliberately spreading falsehoods.