MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday warned the public that sharing the fake video of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is illegal and punishable with the same offense as those who created the video.
In a televised interview over PTV, DICT spokesperson, Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy said posting the fake video, allegedly first shared during a MAISUG political gathering in Los Angeles, California, is punishable by Republic Act (RA) No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“Because you're willingly trying to spread false utterances or misleading information,” Dy said.
However, he said the originators of the video were the ones being targeted by law enforcement units such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“I think this is a destabilization plot because after they saw the video, they are asking for the resignation of the President. We should not believe these, itong mga nanggugulo na 'to (these troublemakers). They're trying to confuse us,” he said.
Based on DICT’s investigation, he said the video has been confirmed to be fake.
“This is a fake video. Mapapansin niyo iba 'yung lighting conditions pagdating sa mukha. Hindi siya consistent, the rest is a little bit darker (You’ll notice the lighting on his face is not consistent, the rest is a little bit darker),” he said.
To date, he said the DICT has reached out to Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to have these videos taken down.
He called on the public to make use of fake image detectors that are available online to help them spot fake photos and videos before sharing them on social media.
“Although we have more professional tools, there are tools that are readily available online. You can check it using online tools para malaman ninyo (to inform yourself) that this is really fake,” he said.
Earlier, Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the fake video was a “maliciously crude attempt to destabilize the administration.”
The video allegedly showing Marcos using illegal drugs went viral on social media.
To prosecute those responsible
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Mico Clavano said the department is committed to upholding the law and “will take all necessary actions to identify and prosecute those responsible for this deceitful act.”
“We call on all citizens to be vigilant and to rely on verified sources of information. Let us work together to maintain the integrity of our nation and focus on addressing the genuine challenges we face,” Clavano said in a statement.
“The Department of Justice condemns the circulation of a fake video involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”
He said the production and dissemination of false information are not only irresponsible but also illegal under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.
“Article 154 clearly states that any person who, by means of printing or any other means of publication, shall publish or cause to be published as news any false news which may endanger the public order or cause damage to the interest or credit of the State, can be held criminally liable,” he said.
Clavano also questioned the timing of the release of the fake video, occurring just before the President delivered his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA).
He said the fake video unmistakably indicated “an intent to undermine the credibility of the President and the critical speech he is set to deliver.”
“This malicious act erodes public trust and poses a threat to public order by spreading misinformation,” he said.
“We urge all individuals and groups to refrain from such selfish acts that distract from the real issues our country faces. The dissemination of false information only serves to create unnecessary confusion and division among the public, ultimately damaging the interest and credit of the State.” (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
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