PCO to File Charges Against Facebook Page for Energy Disinformation

In a significant crackdown on digital misinformation, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced it will pursue legal action against a Facebook page accused of deliberately spreading false information about the Philippines’ energy situation, causing unnecessary public alarm.

Acting PCO Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed that formal complaints are being prepared against administrators of the “Malasakit News Pilipinas” Facebook page following direct instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The communications office has already initiated coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a thorough investigation and identify the individuals responsible for the page’s content.

Government officials identified several particularly concerning posts that contained fabricated claims, including announcements of an “energy lockdown,” a nationwide “fuel shortage,” and even a bizarre assertion about a “COVID-19 cicada variant lockdown.” Authorities emphasized that these claims were entirely false and appeared designed specifically to create public panic during an already sensitive period for the country’s energy sector.

The Philippines has been dealing with genuine energy challenges in recent months, with power reserves occasionally dropping to critical levels in certain regions. This context has made the population particularly susceptible to misinformation about potential energy crises.

“These types of false information are extremely dangerous as they can trigger unnecessary panic buying of fuel and other essential resources,” said a PCO spokesperson. “They undermine public trust in legitimate government announcements during actual emergencies.”

The PCO indicated it will ask prosecutors to pursue charges under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the publication of “false news which may endanger the public order, or cause damage to the interest or credit of the State.” Additionally, authorities plan to invoke provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which addresses digital forms of traditional crimes and specifically targets online misinformation.

If convicted, those responsible could face imprisonment ranging from one to six months and fines, with potential enhanced penalties due to the digital nature of the offense.

Digital rights advocates have long discussed the balance between combating harmful misinformation and protecting free speech in the Philippines. The country has seen a significant rise in online disinformation campaigns in recent years, particularly around elections and public health emergencies.

This case represents part of a broader government initiative to address the proliferation of fake news on social media platforms. Officials announced that monitoring of social media channels will be intensified as the administration expands its campaign against digital disinformation.

“While we respect freedom of expression, we cannot allow malicious actors to hide behind this freedom while deliberately spreading falsehoods that harm public welfare,” Gomez stated. “Access to accurate information, especially during potential crisis situations, is a fundamental right of our citizens.”

Facebook parent company Meta has not yet issued a statement regarding the specific page, though the company has previously expressed commitment to working with Philippine authorities on addressing harmful misinformation.

The PCO urged the public to verify information through official government channels, particularly during emergencies or situations involving critical infrastructure. They recommended following verified government social media accounts and consulting the official websites of relevant agencies for accurate updates on national concerns.

Digital literacy experts note that this case highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in the Philippines, which has one of the highest social media usage rates globally, with citizens spending an average of four hours daily on various platforms.