5 charged for spreading ‘fake news’ on vaccine

Five people have been charged for allegedly spreading fake news about the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Malacañang.

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the information about those charged for spreading fake news came from the Philippine National Police-Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (PNP-DIDM).

“To the peddlers of fake news, mahahanap po kayo, sasampahan po kayo ng kaso, ikukulong po kayo,” said Roque.

Earlier, some government officials blamed misinformation that those who had not been vaccinated would not be allowed to leave their homes under enhanced community quarantine, so those who wanted to get vaccinated flocked to vaccination centers in Manila, Las Piñas City, and Antipolo City.

Some spread information that the unvaccinated will not receive help.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is already investigating those who spread false information of “fake news” about the COVID-19 vaccination.

According to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, they will hold accountable those who spread false information on the vaccine.

“Ito ay parang trend, nangyari na noong isang araw, then today. Heto na naman tayo,” said Abalos.

5 charged for spreading ‘fake news’ on vaccine

“Ang panawagan ko lang, huwag basta-bastang maniniwala. Kontakin ang LGU (local government unit) ninyo,” the MMDA chief added.

Meanwhile, Roque earlier said he wonders why COVID-19 has not yet hit those who do nothing sensible in life and spread fake news.

“Tingin ko po mayroon talagang nagpapakalat ng fake news. Mayroon talagang walang matinong ginagawa sa buhay nila. Ewan ko ba kung bakit hindi pa sila ma-COVID no,” said Roque.

Roque clarified several times that it is not true that there is no help available or that those who have not been vaccinated will not be able to leave the house.

He further advised the people to watch and listen to government communication entities not to fall prey to fake news.

As of August 9, up to 24 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been injected nationwide.

Nearly 13 million have already received the first dose, while 11.2 million have been fully vaccinated, or equivalent to 15.88 percent of the target population.