MANILA — Malacañang cautioned against the circulation of false information regarding the country’s energy situation, warning that violators could face legal action.

Acting Dave Gomez, head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), said those who deliberately create and spread misinformation to exploit ongoing energy challenges will be held accountable “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes our economy and threatens the welfare of every Filipino,” Gomez said.

The warning followed viral social media posts claiming an “energy lockdown” would start on April 20, advising the public to stock up on power banks, solar equipment, flashlights, candles, food, medicine, and water. Another post circulating an “emergency lockdown” beginning April 10, citing the Covid-19 Cicada variant, was also flagged. The Department of Health denied these claims.

Gomez reminded the public that spreading false information is punishable under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, with penalties of up to six months imprisonment. When committed online, sanctions may be doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

“There will be zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest,” he said. “Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense.”

The PCO said it has stepped up monitoring of social media and other information channels to detect and counter disinformation campaigns, particularly those that may mislead the public on energy supply, pricing, and security. Its anti-fake news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice, is prepared to file charges against individuals spreading deceptive information or attempting to manipulate markets.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a one-year state of national energy emergency as the government implements measures to address the impact of global oil price fluctuations amid Middle East tensions.

The PCO urged the public to rely on official sources and verify information before sharing it.

“To every Filipino on social media: Stop and think before you post or hit ‘share’,” Gomez said. “In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it.”