The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is proposing a ₱16 million allocation in its 2026 budget to strengthen efforts against fake news and misinformation.
“We do a significant amount of work in terms of combating fake news and misinformation, from the digital front to coordination with other government agencies for data on these fake news sites,” said PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez during the budget briefing on Tuesday.
Gomez said the PCO counters misinformation by producing content that clarifies and disputes false claims. “When we see something in social media that is obviously fake and is obviously based on misinformation, we counter that with content that would clarify the misinformation, correct the misinformation, and outright dispute that fake news. It’s content versus content,” he explained.
The PCO also conducts media information literacy (MIL) campaigns, including workshops, training, and fact-checking programs in partnership with Vera Files. Around 75 fact-check officers from state media outlets nationwide are being trained to enhance government media’s capacity to detect and counter misinformation. Educators are also trained under the program to pass on knowledge to schools and institutions, ensuring the sustainability of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Gomez defended the PCO’s proposed ₱252 million advertising budget for 2026, saying it covers preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit and the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
For 2026, the PCO is requesting a ₱2.808 billion total budget, which includes funding for its attached agencies:
PCO Proper – ₱972.02M
Philippine Information Agency – ₱527.49M
Presidential Broadcast Service-BBS – ₱512.54M
Radio Television Malacañang – ₱254.21M
News and Information Bureau – ₱163.15M
Bureau of Communications Services – ₱99.54M
National Printing Office – ₱20.99M
Additionally, budgetary support will be provided to the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (₱122M) and People’s Television Network (₱136.76M). The APO Production Unit Inc. will not receive any government subsidy.