Malacañang has warned that individuals purposefully spreading false information about the country’s energy situation may face legal action, as the government adopts a “zero tolerance” stance against disinformation amidst the ongoing energy emergency.

Dave Gomez, acting secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), urged the public to rely on verified and official sources, cautioning that sharing unverified posts online could cause harm.

“To every Filipino on social media: stop and think before you post or hit ‘share.’ In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it,” Gomez warned.

He also said that those who deliberately fabricate and spread false information to exploit the energy situation will be “held to account to the fullest extent of the law.”

Gomez explained that publishing false news is punishable under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which carries penalties of up to six months imprisonment. When committed online, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The PCO said disinformation could undermine public trust, destabilize the economy, and threaten the welfare of Filipinos, especially during the current energy emergency.

“Spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes our economy, and threatens the welfare of every Filipino during this time of energy emergency,” Gomez said.

He added that the government will take a firm stance against those who use disinformation for personal or political gain.

“There will be zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest,” Gomez stressed.

Authorities are also stepping up monitoring efforts, with the PCO’s anti-fake-news desk working closely with the Department of Justice to pursue cases against those found spreading deceptive or manipulative information.

“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense. Our anti-fake-news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice, will file charges against those who flagrantly disseminate deceptive information or manipulate markets,” Gomez said.

The government is also intensifying monitoring of social media platforms and information ecosystems as part of its broader efforts under the Oplan Kontra Fake News initiative.

“We are intensifying monitoring of social media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns. This effort is conducted in close collaboration with our partners in the Oplan Kontra Fake News initiative of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO),” Gomez explained.

Despite the warning, the PCO maintained that the government remains committed to providing transparent, accurate, and timely information to the public.

“Our ultimate obligation is to safeguard the stability of energy supply, protect consumers, and uphold democratic processes,” Gomez said.

The PCO said it will continue delivering updates through verified platforms and urged the public to remain vigilant against false information.

“We call on all citizens to reject disinformation, uphold truth, and stand united in resilience,” Gomez concluded.

How should authorities balance fighting disinformation while protecting free expression during an energy crisis?

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