With the May 12 midterm elections approaching, Malacañang has urged the public to stay vigilant and reject misinformation.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro warned against efforts to distort the truth and undermine the democratic process.
“Unang-una po na maipapayo ng administrasyon: maging mapanuri. Maging mapagmatyag at huwag niyo pong ibenta ang inyong dignidad,” she said when asked for her message to voters.
Castro also cautioned against foreign interference and online trolling aimed at destabilizing the elections. She assured the public that the government is prepared to ensure safe, fair, and orderly polls.
“Huwag ibenta ang bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagiging keyboard warrior, ang tanging maging trabaho o goal ay gumawa ng fake news para sirain at maging negatibo ang taong-bayan sa ating Pangulo at pamahalaan,” she added.
The Palace official emphasized that the government welcomes criticism—as long as it is factual and evidence-based. “Ang ingatan lang po natin ay ang fake news peddlers. Labanan po natin ang fake news para kayo po ay magkaroon ng magandang desisyon sa Mayo 12.”
Castro said Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed the readiness of the Election Task Force, which will be deployed nationwide starting May 11 to monitor, assist, and respond to incidents.
The DepEd, she added, has coordinated with the Commission on Elections, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and Public Attorney’s Office to provide teachers with security, legal aid, and medical support.IMT
