MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has warned that individuals responsible for spreading false information that could mislead the public—particularly during emergencies—may face investigation and possible legal action.
The warning came after a fabricated memorandum circular claiming that classes and government work had been suspended began circulating on social media early Monday, August 17.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said concerned government agencies are now studying the possible legal consequences for those behind the fake announcement.
“Lahat ng mga nagbibigay ng ganitong klaseng impormasyon na maaaring makaapekto sa ating mga kababayan ay hindi palalagpasin,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing, stressing that authorities would work to determine where the false information originated.
The incident became particularly sensitive because the country was already dealing with heavy rainfall associated with the Southwest Monsoon, prompting the government to implement alternative work arrangements and learning modes in several areas.
THE REAL GOVERNMENT ORDER
While a fake suspension notice circulated online, the government had actually issued Memorandum Circular No. 127, signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on August 17.
The legitimate order directed government offices in Metro Manila and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon and Occidental Mindoro to shift to alternative work or work-from-home arrangements beginning at noon.
The order followed a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and heavy rainfall warnings issued by PAGASA in connection with the continuing Southwest Monsoon.
Government agencies responsible for basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services were directed to continue operating.
For schools, alternative learning modes were to be implemented unless otherwise directed by local chief executives. Meanwhile, decisions concerning private-sector work arrangements remained under management’s discretion.
That distinction matters: there was a genuine government order—but the fake document circulating online was not the official announcement.
PALACE: FAKE NEWS CAN HAVE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCES
Castro also appealed to mainstream media organizations to help government agencies prevent fabricated information from spreading further.
She said the Palace would not be acting alone, emphasizing the importance of media organizations in identifying and countering false information before it reaches more people.
The latest warning is part of a broader campaign by the Marcos administration against deliberately fabricated online content.
In April, the Presidential Communications Office warned that false information involving the country’s energy situation could result in legal action. Authorities specifically cited fabricated claims involving energy supply, fuel prices, lockdowns and other potentially panic-inducing announcements.
The government has also previously warned that certain forms of false news may fall under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, while offenses committed through information and communications technology may be subject to provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Under the amended Article 154, maliciously publishing false news that may endanger public order or damage the interests or credit of the State is punishable under Philippine law.
ANTI-FAKE NEWS PUSH GAINS MOMENTUM
The government’s latest warning also comes as Congress moves toward tougher legislation against organized online disinformation.
The House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 9465, or the proposed Digital Media Anti-False Information Act, on third and final reading in June by a vote of 286-3, with seven abstentions. The measure was transmitted to the Senate on June 8.
The proposed law seeks to penalize the deliberate creation, financing, direction or material assistance of false information intended to cause verifiable public harm or pose a serious threat to national security.
The House version proposes imprisonment of six to 12 years and fines ranging from P500,000 to P2 million for those found guilty under its provisions.
However, the proposal remains controversial.
A recent Straits Times report noted that critics have raised concerns over potential censorship and the possibility of authorities determining what constitutes false information. The report also noted that the bill includes exemptions for journalism, investigative reporting, criticism of government, whistleblowing, satire and academic discourse.
As of the latest available congressional record, HB 9465 had been approved by the House and transmitted to the Senate, meaning it should not be described as an existing law yet.
WHY THE LATEST FAKE MEMO MATTERS
The incident illustrates why false government announcements can become especially dangerous during emergencies.
A fabricated notice about class or work suspension can affect parents, students, employees, businesses and government operations within minutes—particularly when it is shared repeatedly across Facebook, Messenger, group chats and other social-media platforms.
The Palace’s response suggests authorities are now focusing not only on correcting misinformation but also on identifying its source and determining whether those responsible can be held legally accountable.
For the public, the safest approach is simple: do not immediately share a screenshot, memorandum or announcement simply because it looks official.
Check whether the information has been released through the official channels of the Office of the President, relevant government agencies, local government units or established news organizations.
In an emergency, one unverified post can travel faster than an official correction.
And this time, Malacañang is making it clear that it wants to know exactly who started the chain.
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