A coordinated national framework against digital disinformation has been established to combat fake news, deepfakes, and other digitally manipulated content while maintaining protections for free speech and press freedom.

Under a memorandum of agreement, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) committed to a “whole-of-government” approach to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting deliberate online falsehoods under existing laws, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida said the initiative aims to deter the use of digital platforms to undermine democratic processes and public safety while maintaining constitutional protections for free expression and press freedom.

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

Under the agreement, the PCO will lead government communications, public advisories, and media and information literacy campaigns; the DICT will oversee cybersecurity efforts, technological coordination, and reporting systems; while the DOJ will evaluate and prosecute cases involving unlawful online disinformation.

The framework also provides for coordination with technology platforms and international counterparts in addressing transnational disinformation operations.

PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the initiative seeks to protect the public from malicious actors who exploit technology to spread false information and sow division.

“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 said.

The agreement follows the launch of “Oplan Kontra Fake News” by the PCO in March.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, meanwhile, warned that advances in artificial intelligence have made false information more difficult to identify and potentially more harmful.

“Hindi na ito simpleng tsismis. Ngayon, kasinungalingan can look real,” Aguda said, referring to AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated digital content.

(This is no longer simple gossip. Now, falsehoods can appear real)

Aguda said the DICT would focus on strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, coordinating with technology companies, and developing systems that would allow citizens to report false or manipulated online content.

The agreement also creates an inter-agency steering committee tasked with overseeing implementation, ensuring compliance with data protection standards, and publishing annual reports on the initiative.

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