Manila: A House leader on Monday backed Malaca±ang's warning against fake news peddlers, saying the deliberate spread of disinformation amid the ongoing energy emergency poses a 'direct threat to national stability' and must be met with swift legal action.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, issued the statement following the Presidential Communications Office's announcement that it will file charges against individuals who fabricate and spread false information on energy supply, pricing, and security.

The Palace warning came after a false advisory on an alleged 'energy lockdown' circulated online, fueling confusion at a time when the government is responding to global supply shocks and rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.

In a news release, Adiong said disinformation in such a critical period is a dangerous act that can trigger panic and undermine government efforts. He stressed that those who deliberately exploit the crisis to advance political or personal interests must be held fully accountable under the law.

Adiong also warned that unchecked disinformation could weaken the government's ability to manage the crisis and protect consumers. Echoing the Palace's call for vigilance, Adiong urged the public to rely only on verified government advisories and credible sources. He emphasized that safeguarding accurate information is a shared responsibility, especially as authorities intensify monitoring and enforcement against online disinformation.

In a separate statement on Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed its commitment to support the national government in the fight against energy-related disinformation. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that criminal charges will be filed against individuals found responsible for spreading harmful disinformation, and local police units are now using their social media accounts to counter fake news.