Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to address the escalating issue of digital disinformation. This collaborative effort aims to establish a coordinated response to the deliberate production and dissemination of false media content.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretaries Frederick Vida of DOJ, Dave Gomez of PCO, and Henry Aguda of DICT formalized the agreement at a signing ceremony held at the DOJ office in Manila. The MOA outlines an inter-agency approach to safeguarding public safety and national security from harmful information operations, striving for a more secure cyber environment.

Under this agreement, the PCO will spearhead information dissemination efforts, the DOJ will oversee legal enforcement, and the DICT will provide technological support and monitoring capabilities. Gomez highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s broader directive to bolster efforts against disinformation.

Gomez emphasized the importance of combating fake news to protect the public's right to reliable information and ensure accountability for those spreading falsehoods. He stated that this unified framework will tackle challenges such as fake news, online disinformation, AI-generated deepfakes, and digitally altered media.

Vida remarked that the agreement represents a critical step in defending the nation against the rising threat of digital disinformation. He cautioned that such content could undermine public trust, create divisions, and cause confusion during critical moments. Vida assured that the framework would differentiate between criminal disinformation and protected speech, maintaining the sanctity of freedom of expression and the press.

Aguda underscored the necessity of a whole-of-government approach to counter advanced threats, particularly those fueled by artificial intelligence. He noted that while the campaign targets deliberate deception, it does not seek to suppress free speech. Aguda emphasized that misinformation could cause panic, misinform decisions, and erode trust in institutions, highlighting the importance of the initiative.