For those who think they can get away with spreading false information online, the Philippine National Police on Thursday said it has charged 52 people for spreading fake news during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 52 were among the 80 people that have been charged in court for various cybercrimes during the pandemic, ranging from online scams to spreading fake news, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said.
From March 9 to Aug. 9, PNP data showed that 87 criminal complaints against 52 people have been filed for spreading fake news. Three online scam complaints were filed against two people, and 31 complaints were filed against 26 individuals for online profiteering and unauthorized selling of medical supplies.
According to the PNP, the violators were specifically charged with Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code as amended to include Online Libel; violation of the Anti-Cybercrime Law; and violation of Presidential Decree No. 90, which makes rumor-mongering and spreading false information as unlawful.
The spread of false information online has complicated the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Just last week, hundreds thronged vaccination queues in Metro Manila after false information spread online that unvaccinated individuals would be excluded from the government's cash aid program.
“We are appealing to the public to be discerning and wary of fake news. This is also a stern warning to all individuals or groups spreading false information on various social media platforms. We will go after you and will not hesitate to put you behind bars,” Eleazar said in a statement.
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