Malacañang warned it would pursue legal action against those spreading false ‘energy lockdown’ claims amid rising fuel prices due to Middle East tensions. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said the government would not tolerate fabricated reports linking lockdowns to fuel shortages or a new COVID-19 variant. He urged the public to verify information from official sources before sharing.
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez warned on Sunday, April 5, that the government would pursue legal action against those spreading false ‘energy lockdown’ claims amid soaring fuel prices linked to Middle East tensions.
“In light of the current energy landscape, we warn anyone who deliberately fabricates stories and spreads fake news online to exploit the situation that they will be held to account to the fullest extent of the law,” Gomez said. He cited social media posts falsely claiming an “emergency lockdown” starting April 20 and another about a COVID-19 Cicada variant using a fake Department of Health logo.
Publishing false information carries up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 if done online. The PCO’s anti-fake news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice, is preparing cases, while intensifying social media monitoring under Oplan Kontra Fake News.
“In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it,” he added. Diesel prices are projected to rise by P17 to P19 per liter this week, potentially reaching P165 to over P170 per liter.
