What happens when ordinary neighborhood “tsismis” crosses the line and starts causing real conflict?
One barangay in South Cotabato has decided to draw that line—with an ordinance that could make proven malicious gossip cost residents money and, in some cases, require them to publicly apologize online.
Barangay Landan in Polomolok, South Cotabato has implemented Barangay Ordinance No. 8, Series of 2026, a measure aimed at curbing malicious rumors, false stories and unfounded claims that officials say have contributed to disputes among residents.
The ordinance was authored by Barangay Kagawad Joey Salazar Minggito, who said numerous complaints brought before barangay officials stemmed from stories circulated about other residents.
According to Minggito, local officials have had to spend time resolving conflicts that could potentially have been avoided if residents had been more careful about spreading information about their neighbors.
How much can a resident be fined?
Under the measure, a first offense carries a ₱1,000 fine, while a second offense carries a ₱1,500 fine.
There is another provision that has drawn attention: when evidence establishes a person’s responsibility, the violator may also be required to issue a public apology on social media.
The ordinance was approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Polomolok on July 10, 2026, according to Brigada News and Radar PH, before its implementation in Barangay Landan.
It is not a ban on ordinary conversation
Despite the viral reaction to the measure, officials have stressed that the ordinance does not simply outlaw people from talking about one another.
Minggito clarified that the measure is directed at malicious gossip, particularly cases where there is sufficient evidence establishing responsibility after an investigation.
That distinction matters.
Everyday conversations, neighborhood chatter and ordinary exchanges of information are not automatically equivalent to an offense under the measure. The focus, according to officials, is on harmful and malicious information that can damage another person’s reputation and trigger community disputes.
Why did Landan introduce the measure?
The motivation appears to be less about policing casual “chismis” and more about preventing neighborhood conflicts from escalating.
Brigada News reported that residents welcomed the ordinance, saying irresponsible gossip can damage friendships, strain family relationships and create tension between neighbors.
Officials hope that discouraging the spread of malicious rumors will encourage residents to communicate directly and settle concerns through proper channels rather than allowing unverified stories to circulate.
Radar PH similarly reported that the measure emerged after community disputes were linked to false information, malicious gossip and unfounded rumors.
Has anyone actually been fined?
As of the reports reviewed for this story, there had been no formal complaints filed with the barangay since the ordinance was approved, according to Minggito as reported by Brigada News.
Officials interpreted the absence of complaints as a possible sign that residents were already becoming more aware of the measure and its potential penalties.
That also means the ordinance’s long-term impact remains to be seen.
For now, its biggest effect may be the warning itself: think twice before turning an unverified story about a neighbor into something that spreads around the community.
From “tsismis” to accountability
Gossip has long been part of everyday social life, including in Filipino communities, where conversations about neighbors, friends and acquaintances can serve as a form of social connection. Interaksyon noted that such conversations can help people exchange information and stay connected.
But Landan’s ordinance draws attention to the point where conversation can allegedly become harmful.
And that is precisely why the measure has generated so much attention online.
For residents of Barangay Landan, the message is now unusually clear: not every “tsismis” is necessarily an offense—but spreading malicious information that can be proven could come with a price.
And if the evidence points back to you, the penalty may not end with the fine.
A public apology could be waiting on social media, too.
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