Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not be distracted by disinformation targeting his health as the government focuses on addressing the country's energy crisis, Malaca±ang said Thursday. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) acting Secretary Dave Gomez stated that a 'sudden and coordinated surge' of false information has been detected by the agency's Anti-Fake News Desk across social media platforms, prompting the government to prepare legal action.
According to Philippines News Agency, despite the spread of disinformation, the President remains focused on his priorities. "We are in a state of energy emergency. The President will not be distracted by this noise," Gomez said in a statement. "The President remains laser-focused on one mission: solving our energy emergency and delivering real, tangible help to every Filipino family, improving their lives and strengthening our economy."
The Philippines earlier declared a national energy emergency following global oil supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have driven up fuel prices and raised concerns over supply stability. Gomez noted that even traditional media outlets have been affected by the spread of disinformation.
The PCO, Malaca±ang's media arm, is now gathering evidence against those behind the posts. "The Presidential Communications Office is tracking and documenting every post, every comment, and every lie. Each one is a piece of evidence we can use in court," Gomez said. He mentioned that authorities are working to identify those responsible and trace their networks, with charges expected to be filed once the evidence is complete.
"We will identify the perpetrators, trace their networks, and file the proper charges in court," he said. Gomez also questioned the timing of the disinformation campaign, suggesting it was meant to undermine the administration. "The timing is suspect. The motive is clear: distract and destabilize our government," he added.
Marcos earlier shrugged off claims about his health, saying he has been back to his "normal routine" for months now since recovering from diverticulitis in January.
