Malacañang on Monday denied reports that the government will impose a nationwide lockdown next week and ration food to contain the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the false advisory posted in the social media is “fake news” which claimed President Rodrigo Duterte would announce a nationwide lockdown next week, including all wet markets, to stop people from going out of their homes.
A screenshot of a message claiming that Malacañang will be declaring a lockdown spread like wildfire on Facebook and other platforms.
This prompted Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday to describe the persistent spread of disinformation over cyberspace amid a public health emergency as a "pandemic worse than the coronavirus disease."
He said both the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) should expedite their investigations to track down, sue, and lock up fake newsmongers over the Internet “who sow panic and confusion in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.”
Puttong fake news peddlers behind bars, Gatchalian said, would send a message that those who spread disinformation will not get away it.
Panelo advised the public to be more discerning when using social media as it denied the lockdown rumors.
“Absolutely not true. Stop believing false news and information,” he said.
Panelo said people should not readily believe what they read on social media, adding that false information will only create panic, confusion, and fear.
“We denounce the proliferation of such false narratives,” he said.
“We encourage our people to keep calm and stay vigilant. Rest assured that the government is here to protect everyone and is working for their safety and well being,” the spokesman added.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles likewise said it is fake news. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also denied any government plan of an impending nationwide lockdown, calling the information a classic example of fake news.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already warned the public that fake news peddlers could be charged for violating Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The law provides for an imprisonment of six to 12 years to those found guilty.
Gatchalian said that a Cebu-based optometrist, for instance, who allegedly spread a false report on COVID-19 was sued for violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 and Section 4 (c) 4 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The senator noted that another fake news story that recently went viral is an alleged statement from the United States (US) State Department, which warns of potential looting incidents in Luzon during the month-long lockdown period.
The US Embassy has since debunked the statement as a hoax, reminding the public the embassy only releases information through its official social media accounts, website, and distribution to local journalists.
Gatchalian added that different scams, including bogus donation drives, could be thriving now that Luzon is in lockdown.
Meanwhile, the senator cautioned the public to be vigilant about the information they receive and share through their different communication platforms.
He reminded the public to get information only from official government channels, websites and social media pages of established media institutions and other legit organizations.
The lawmaker concluded that the public can do their part by proactively reporting dubious reports to authorities.