Manila: The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is ramping up measures to combat the spread of misinformation, particularly in light of ongoing discussions surrounding the International Criminal Court's (ICC) case against former president Rodrigo Duterte. In a press briefing on Monday, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro attributed the proliferation of fake news to the current situation involving Duterte's arrest.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated that the PCO's initiatives to counter misinformation include live discussions with relevant authorities to address issues raised by both mainstream and social media. She emphasized that these efforts aim to help the public discern between fake and factual news. Castro highlighted the importance of such initiatives in preventing the spread of misinformation, especially concerning Duterte's arrest.
The PCO is also coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate those responsible for spreading false information. Castro noted the increasing volume of misinformation, pointing out that even former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea had been involved in spreading false information about Duterte's whereabouts. Medialdea had claimed that Duterte was not detained at The Hague Penitentiary Institution, commonly referred to as the Scheveningen prison, in the Netherlands.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, refuted Medialdea's claims, with spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah confirming Duterte's detention at the Scheveningen facility. Castro mentioned that the government is considering legal action against those propagating false information. She also addressed concerns about Duterte's health and treatment, citing ICC Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc's assurance that Duterte is "mentally aware, mentally fit, and continuously monitored by doctors."
Castro urged the public to verify facts before making speculative statements about Duterte's health and treatment. She emphasized the PCO's commitment to encouraging media collaboration in fact-checking and disseminating accurate information to prevent public confusion and maintain clarity on national issues.
