The Philippine government has directed Meta Platforms Inc. to implement stricter measures against the spread of false and panic-inducing content across its platforms, warning of possible legal action if the company fails to respond promptly.
In a joint letter dated April 10 addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) cited the continued circulation of disinformation as a violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code and provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
“To ensure timely implementation, Meta is required to confirm receipt of this letter within 48 hours and to provide a detailed implementation plan of the measures outlined within seven calendar days from receipt of this letter,” stated the joint letter signed by DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez.
“Failure to take prompt and sufficient action shall constrain the Philippine Government to consider appropriate regulatory and legal measures, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and the Department of Justice, consistent with applicable laws and the State’s duty to protect public order and national security,” the letter added.
According to the communication, the Philippines is facing heightened economic and public vulnerability amid the ongoing global oil crisis, which has driven up fuel costs and the prices of essential goods.
“Rising fuel costs and increasing prices of essential goods have materially heightened public sensitivity to information related to economic stability and government response,” the DICT and PCO letter noted. “In this environment, the rapid proliferation of false, misleading, and panic-inducing content—particularly those relating to oil prices, economic disruptions, and government actions—poses a direct and escalating threat to public order, economic confidence, and national security.”
“The scale and velocity of such content on Meta’s platforms significantly amplify these risks,” the letter added.
The government also emphasized that such acts may fall under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, particularly when committed through digital platforms or when they aid or abet cyber-related offenses.
“We note that commission of such criminal acts falls within the ambit of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, particularly where these are committed through digital platforms or involve aiding or abetting cyber-related offenses,” the letter stated.
Authorities identified several categories of harmful content still circulating online, including fabricated medical reports about senior government officials, false advisories on oil prices and supply disruptions, misleading claims targeting financial institutions, fabricated law enforcement announcements, narratives encouraging non-compliance with lawful directives, and coordinated inauthentic behavior aimed at the government.
The letter further warned that the spread of false information contributing to public panic, artificial price distortions, or disruptions in the supply of essential goods may also violate the Price Act and related laws penalizing hoarding, profiteering, and market manipulation.
“In light of the foregoing, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), hereby requires Meta to immediately align with the Philippine Government on strengthened safeguards and response mechanisms,” the letter noted.
Among the measures expected from Meta are enhanced proactive detection and suppression systems for high-risk disinformation, expedited takedown protocols for government-flagged content, and priority handling of posts that may affect public safety, economic stability, and national security.
The government also called for the designation of a senior-level, 24/7 coordination focal point, clear escalation pathways, enforceable response timelines, and regular transparency reports on enforcement actions related to harmful content in the Philippines.
“The Philippine Government remains prepared to engage constructively. However, given the urgency of the current situation, immediate, concrete, and verifiable action is expected,” the letter stated. (LB)
