Malacañang on Wednesday raised concerns over a potential rise in fake news as the May 2025 midterm elections draw near, urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid spreading disinformation.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos administration continues to be the target of false information, especially on social media, which she warned could mislead voters and damage national interests.
“Hindi lamang po naglalabasan mga fake news ngayong papalapit ang eleksiyon. Matagal na pong naglalabasan ang mga fake news laban sa Pangulo, laban sa gobyerno,” Castro said in a press briefing.
She encouraged voters to critically assess information online and reject malicious content aimed at manipulating public opinion.
“Unang-una po na maipapayo ng administrasyon, maging mapanuri, maging mapagmatyag; at huwag ninyo pong ibenta ang inyong dignidad; huwag ibenta ang bansa sa ibang mga bansa na maaaring may interes dito sa ating teritoryo, sa ating soberanya,” she said.
Castro also warned against so-called “keyboard warriors” spreading fake news to harm the image of the President and the government.
“Huwag ibenta ang bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagiging keyboard warrior at ang tanging maging trabaho o goal ay gumawa ng fake news para sirain at maging negatibo ang taumbayan sa ating Pangulo at sa pamahalaan,” she added.
This comes after Senator Francis Tolentino revealed in a Senate inquiry that Chinese-funded troll farms operated in the Philippines to spread pro-China narratives and attack local officials using fake accounts.
Castro clarified that the government welcomes criticism but said it must be grounded in facts.
“Ang pintuan po ng pamahalaan ay hindi naman po hahadlangan ang anumang mga kritisismo hangga’t mayroon pong basehan. Ang ingatan lang po natin ay ang mga fake news peddlers. Labanan po natin ang fake news para kayo po ay magkaroon ng magandang desisyon sa Mayo dose,” she said.
Millions of Filipinos are expected to vote on May 12 to elect new senators, members of the House of Representatives, and local officials.