Malacañang reiterated its warning about the spread of fake news and disinformation, especially regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by Interpol agents.
In a recent Palace presser, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the PCO is working with law enforcement to track down fake news peddlers.
“Talagang dumarami po ang fake news para po malihis ang katotohanan. Kitang-kita po ninyo, kahit po mismo si dating ES (executive secretary Salvador) Medialdea … nakita po natin kung papaano po ba niya nabanggit na nawawala ang dating Pangulong Duterte,” Castro told reporters.
She added that the International Criminal Court (ICC), where Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges for his war on drugs, has denied Medialdea’s claims.
People should observe, think, and evaluate carefully to avoid confusion, according to her.
Castro also dismissed claims by Senator Christopher Go that Duterte is not receiving adequate medical care while in ICC detention, quoting an ICC judge who stated that the former president is being attended to by doctors and is “mentally aware, mentally fit.”
Acknowledging the role of the press in combating misinformation, the Palace official urged mainstream media to help the government fight fake news.
