Philippine government launches crackdown on fake news, AI deepfakes

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Justice (DOJ) have formalized a partnership to intensify efforts against fake news, disinformation, and AI-generated deepfakes through a newly signed memorandum of agreement (MOA).

The agreement, signed Monday by PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, and Acting DOJ Secretary Frederick Vida, outlines a whole-of-government strategy to address the spread of false information seen as a risk to public safety, national security, and democratic institutions.

Following the signing at the DOJ, Gomez emphasized the urgent need to address the increasing threat posed by manipulated information.

“We are confronting a rapidly evolving information landscape where truth is increasingly vulnerable to distortion and manipulation,” he said.

He clarified that the initiative is not intended to suppress speech, but rather to protect the public from harmful digital deception.

“This initiative is not about curtailing free expression, but about safeguarding the Filipino people from malicious actors who exploit technology to deceive and divide,” Gomez added.

Under the agreement, the three agencies will collaborate to detect, investigate, and prosecute intentional online falsehoods.

This partnership will be guided by existing legislation, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Vida described the agreement as a critical step in defending democratic systems from digital threats.

“Today marks a pivotal step in safeguarding our democracy from the shadows of digital disinformation,” he said.

He cautioned that “digitally mediated falsehoods… have emerged as potent weapons against our national stability.”

At the same time, Vida assured that enforcement efforts would remain within legal bounds.

“Our commitment is clear: proactive defense, not overreach. We draw a firm line between criminal disinformation and protected speech,” he said.

Aguda noted that disinformation has become increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to detect.

“Hindi na ito simpleng tsismis. Ngayon, kasinungalingan can look real… divide, and erode public trust when clarity is most needed,” he said.

Aguda, meanwhile, pointed to how disinformation has become more sophisticated and harder to detect.

“Hindi na ito simpleng tsismis. Ngayon, kasinungalingan can look real… divide, and erode public trust when clarity is most needed,” he said.

He emphasized that addressing this problem requires a collective effort. Aguda noted, "This is not just government acting on its own. This is a national responsibility."

As part of the agreement, the PCO will spearhead government messaging, advisories, and media literacy campaigns.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will focus on engaging digital platforms, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and supporting reporting systems such as eGovPH.

Meanwhile, the DOJ will handle case evaluation, prosecution, and coordination with international counterparts on cross-border disinformation cases.

An inter-agency steering committee will be established to oversee implementation, ensure data privacy protections, and release annual reports.

The MOA also underscores that all measures will be carried out in accordance with constitutional rights, while promoting transparency, accountability, and increased public awareness.

-Paraluman News