The Presidential Communications Office has again asked the Department of Justice to investigate and file legal action against three Facebook pages spreading disinformation about the president's health. The PCO endorsed the accounts to the DOJ on Wednesday, April 15. The DOJ said it will refer the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation.
MANILA, Philippines — Robertzon Ramirez, director of the PCO’s Anti-Fake News Desk, said the agency endorsed the three Facebook accounts to the DOJ for investigation over false claims about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s health.
The "Iloy Bugris: The Queen of Revelations" account aired live broadcasts claiming the president was critically ill and solicited donations via Cash and BPI accounts, showing a fabricated medical document. "Rigondola Ping" posted manipulated images of the president in distress, while "Crage Anderpal" shared a fake news graphic alleging an official confirmation of a serious health issue.
DOJ Spokesperson Polo Martinez told reporters the agency will refer the endorsement to the National Bureau of Investigation. This follows the PCO's April 7 endorsement of “Malasakit News Pilipinas” for false energy security information, which led to a memorandum of agreement between DOJ, PCO, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology on tackling false information.
The Palace stated the disinformation aims to destabilize the government.
