PCO Files DOJ Complaint Against Three Social Media Accounts for False Claims About President’s Health

The Philippine Communications Office (PCO) has filed a formal complaint with the Department of Justice against three social media accounts for allegedly spreading false information about President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s health, government officials confirmed Thursday.

The complaint targets social media users who authorities say fabricated and disseminated unfounded claims that the President was experiencing serious health issues or had been hospitalized. These allegations circulated widely across multiple platforms despite official statements confirming the President’s good health and continued performance of his duties.

“We cannot allow the deliberate spread of misinformation that causes unnecessary public anxiety and undermines the Office of the President,” said PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil in a statement. “These false claims about the President’s health represent a clear attempt to destabilize the administration and confuse the Filipino people.”

According to the complaint, the three accounts, whose identities have been forwarded to authorities but not publicly disclosed pending investigation, violated provisions in the Revised Penal Code on the publication of false news and cyber libel laws. Officials noted that the accounts had substantial follower counts, allowing the misinformation to reach thousands of Filipinos within hours.

The action comes amid growing government concern about the proliferation of fake news on social media platforms. The PCO has been actively monitoring various online channels for misinformation campaigns targeting government officials, particularly those involving the President and key administration initiatives.

Digital rights experts note that this case highlights the increasing tension between combating harmful misinformation and protecting free expression in the Philippines’ vibrant social media landscape. The country ranks among the world’s heaviest social media users, with the average Filipino spending nearly four hours daily on various platforms.

“This is part of a broader challenge we’re seeing across Southeast Asia, where governments are grappling with how to address digital misinformation while respecting democratic principles,” said Dr. Maria Santos, a digital rights researcher at the University of the Philippines. “The key question is always where to draw the line between harmful falsehoods and legitimate criticism.”

The PCO emphasized that the complaint specifically targets demonstrably false claims about the President’s health, not criticism of his policies or administration. Officials provided evidence that the accounts had repeatedly posted fabricated medical reports and falsely claimed insider information from presidential staff.

“There is a clear distinction between expressing political opinions and deliberately manufacturing lies about the President’s physical condition,” Velicaria-Garafil added.

The Department of Justice has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and confirmed that an investigation is underway. If found guilty, those behind the accounts could face penalties that include imprisonment and substantial fines under Philippine cybercrime laws.

Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar reassured the public about Marcos’ health during a press briefing, stating that the President maintains a busy schedule of diplomatic engagements and domestic policy work. “The President is in excellent health and continues to fulfill his duties without interruption,” Andanar said.

This is not the first time the administration has confronted health-related rumors. Similar allegations circulated during the 2022 presidential campaign, which officials attribute to politically motivated attempts to undermine Marcos’ candidacy.

Media watchdog groups have called for transparency in the investigation process while emphasizing the importance of fact-based reporting on matters of public interest. They note that health concerns about national leaders are legitimate topics for public discourse when based on credible information.

The PCO has announced plans to enhance its media literacy campaigns to help Filipinos better identify and resist misinformation on social media platforms. The office is also engaging with technology companies to develop more effective systems for flagging and removing demonstrably false content about government officials.