Victorias city: Victorias City in Negros Occidental has adopted an ordinance penalizing the dissemination of false or misleading information using the name or authority of the local government unit (LGU) and its officials.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ordinance, titled the 'Anti-Fake News Announcement Ordinance of Victorias City,' was principally authored by Vice Mayor Derek Palanca and passed on third and final reading during the City Council's regular session on September 8. Palanca emphasized that the ordinance is not a general measure against fake news but specifically targets misleading information that exploits the authority or name of the LGU and its public officers.

Palanca cited the ordinance's urgency following false announcements on social media pages regarding class suspensions in Victorias City due to inclement weather. He stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the city government, noting that only the Department of Education or the city mayor can declare class suspensions, not news agencies or other offices.

The ordinance applies to individuals and entities who intentionally create, post, or disseminate false or misleading announcements, advisories, or statements. This includes fake class suspensions, disaster alerts, executive orders, or public service announcements falsely attributed to the city government or its officials, whether through social media, artificial intelligence tools, short message service, print, or other means.

Palanca also mentioned that the ordinance empowers the LGU to coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for cases involving advanced digital manipulation or cyber-related offenses that require technical investigation beyond the city government's capacity. The City Legal Office (CLO) will collaborate with the NBI, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, or other relevant national agencies for assistance in investigating and prosecuting offenders.

The CLO, in coordination with the Victorias City Police Station, City Information Office, and Information Technology Office, is tasked with monitoring, investigating, and recommending actions on violations of the ordinance. Penalties for violators include written warnings, public apologies, community service, fines, and possible imprisonment, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.