Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday criticized the spread of 'fake news' and 'disinformation' concerning the quality of rice set to be sold for PHP20 per kilo. This reaction followed the circulation of a video on social media that purportedly showed poor-quality rice being made available to the public under the government's PHP20-per-kilo rice program.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed the issue, stating that fake news propagators are misleading the public by suggesting that the affordable rice resembles animal feed. During a Palace press briefing, Castro warned, "We are warning the public to be careful because it is likely that someone will sabotage this project of the President regarding PHP20 per kilo of rice."

Castro further elaborated, "There may be fake news peddlers who will use and show that the rice to be sold is for animals," referencing Vice President Sara Duterte's criticism of the PHP20-per-kilo rice rollout in the Visayas. She emphasized that the rice offered at a reduced price is the same variety currently available in the market for PHP33 per kilo.

She urged vigilance among the public against individuals aiming to tarnish the project's reputation, the President's image, and the hope of every Filipino. "Let's be careful of fake news peddlers who are destroying the project, destroying the President, destroying the hope, the aspiration of every Filipino," Castro added.

In response to claims made by Duterte regarding President Marcos' alleged push for constitutional amendments, Castro dismissed these assertions as 'fake news,' clarifying that no discussions on constitutional changes have taken place.