The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and file charges against those behind a Facebook page and a website allegedly spreading fake and misleading information.

The request was made through the PCO’s Anti-Fake News Desk (AFND), which flagged the two platforms for allegedly posting false information that could mislead or harm the public.

One of the accounts described itself as a satirical news page but, according to the PCO, crossed the line by posting “malicious and misleading content.”

Among the posts were fake announcements about weeks-long class and work suspensions during the height of the Habagat, as well as false information about an initiative involving advanced technology.

The page also allegedly used the official Malacañang Palace logo without authorization, making its posts appear to be legitimate government announcements.

“Satire cannot be used as a shield for deliberately misleading the public. When false information is presented in a manner that could be mistaken for legitimate government information, it becomes a matter of public concern,” the PCO said in endorsing the case to the NBI.

The second case involves a website that falsely advertised a P30,000 Department of Health (DOH) medical assistance program.

The DOH later issued an advisory on August 9 warning the public that the website was spreading false information.

Although the website has since become inaccessible, the AFND said it was able to preserve evidence and documentation for the investigation and possible prosecution.

The AFND was created to help protect the public from fabricated information, particularly during calamities and other situations when accurate government information is needed.

The PCO said the desk also works to stop misleading content and help Filipinos, especially those seeking urgent government assistance, access reliable information.

It added that deliberately fabricating and spreading false information may constitute an offense under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, with higher penalties when committed through information and communications technology under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The AFND said it would continue monitoring and documenting verified cases of criminal disinformation and referring them for possible prosecution.

The public was also urged to verify information through official government channels before sharing or acting on it.IMT