From ABS-CBN News

By Noriko Yamamoto

On Sunday, April 5, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) warned the public against the spread of disinformation about the country’s energy security, supply, and rising prices, stating that individuals spreading such information will face legal action.

In a statement, PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez urged stakeholders to rely on official announcements when receiving and sharing information.

“Let us work together to prevent the manipulation of critical energy information for personal or political gain,” Gomez said.

“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,” he added.

The Palace also underscored a “zero tolerance” policy against disinformation that could undermine public trust, disrupt the economy, and threaten national stability.

Moreover, he reminded the public that publishing false information on social media platforms is punishable by up to six months of imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.

When committed online, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, according to Gomez.

“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 noted.

Previously, the Palace had dismissed reports of an “energy lockdown” starting April 20, after a viral social media post urged Filipinos to stock up on equipment and goods for the alleged lockdown.

“We are intensifying monitoring of social media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns,” Gomez said.

Meanwhile, diesel prices are expected to rise by P17 to P19 per liter, with regular diesel possibly reaching P165 per liter and premium diesel surpassing P170 per liter.