At least three Facebook users are circulating a news graphic claiming that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. plans to shut down social media platforms because these are the source of false information related to the flood control mess. This is fake.
On Feb. 14, an FB page uploaded a photo bearing an image of the president. It carried a statement supposedly made by Marcos:
“BREAKING NEWS: IPAPA SHUTDOWN KO ANG BUONG SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AT ISA NA DUN ANG FACEBOOK DAHIL DITO NAGSISIMULA ANG MALING INFORMATION – PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR.
(Breaking news: I will shut down all social media platforms, including Facebook, because this are where wrong information start – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.)”
The caption of the post reiterated the claim, saying a shutdown of social media platforms will be under study because these are the sources of disinformation, particularly on the issue of flood control.
Two FB users reposted the erroneous photo and the caption on the same day. Netizens in the comment section appeared to believe the posts, with some even noting that such a move is a sign of “martial law.”
While House Bill 2697 or the Anti-Fake News and Digital Disinformation Act is among the 21 priority measures approved during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting on Feb. 10, there are no official reports that the president gave that specific statement.
Neither is there a directive from the Office of the President ordering the shutdown of Facebook and other social media platforms.
The measure, filed by Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, mandates sanctions on those who spread mis- and disinformation online, including imprisonment and fines.
It also requires social media platforms operating in the country to designate a liaison officer to the Department of Information and Communications and Technology for matters involving the removal or moderation of posts and compliance with the law, among others.
However, there is no provision for the complete shutdown of social media sites.
The false claim surfaced after the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media held a hearing on Feb. 11 on proposed bills to counter the spread of disinformation online which was attended by representatives from Facebook and TikTok.
As of writing, the post published by FB page Hello Q had received 6,800 reactions; 1,600 comments; 210 shares. Two other copies shared by FB users had 12,020 reactions; 3,407 comments; and 342 shares.
