By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have called on tech giant Meta to take immediate action against “false, misleading, and panic-inducing” content on social media.
In a joint letter dated April 10, PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda urged Meta chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg to implement strict measures aimed at countering false information on pressing issues, such as oil prices, economic disruptions, and government actions.
Gomez and Aguda said the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation on Meta’s platforms “poses a direct and escalating threat to public order, economic confidence, and national security.“
“The Philippines is currently confronting heightened economic and public vulnerability driven by the ongoing global oil crisis. Rising fuel costs and increasing prices of essential goods have materially heightened public sensitivity to information related to economic stability and government response,” the letter read.
“In light of the foregoing, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, in coordination with the Presidential Communications Office, hereby requires Meta to immediately align with the Philippine Government on strengthened safeguards and response mechanisms.”
Gomez and Aguda emphasized that publication of false news that “may endanger public order, harm state interests, or incite disobedience to lawful authority” is punishable by law.
They said the malicious spread of false news results in “public panic, artificial price distortions, or disruption in the supply of essential goods unduly contribute to reports of illegal acts of price manipulation punishable under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, as amended, and other related statutes penalizing hoarding, profiteering, and market manipulation.”
They called on Meta to enhance proactive detection and suppression systems for high-risk disinformation; expedite government-flagging and takedown protocol; designate a senior-level, 24/7 coordination focal point; define escalation pathways and enforceable response timelines for high-risk content categories; and undertake regular transparency reporting on enforcement actions.
“To ensure timely implementation, Meta is required to confirm receipt of this letter within 48 hours and to provide a detailed implementation plan of the measures outlined within seven calendar days from receipt of this letter,” the two officials said.
Gomez and Aguda said the Philippine government would consider appropriate regulatory and legal measures if Meta fails to take prompt and sufficient action. (PNA)
