MANILA – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is considering the creation of a regulatory body to oversee social media content as part of efforts to curb the spread of fake news.
PCO Acting Secretary Jay Ruiz revealed in a media briefing on Monday (03 Mar 2025) that discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of such a body, particularly for handling sensitive issues.
“We are studying this possibility, especially for critical matters. As I’ve said, a lie told a thousand times can overshadow the truth,” Ruiz told reporters at Malacañang.
He likened the proposed regulation to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s role in overseeing traditional media, emphasizing that the government’s priority is to combat disinformation. He added that legal action would be taken against false information that threatens national security.
“If you’re a vlogger or social media influencer, you must be responsible for the information you share with the public,” he said.
PCO Leadership Under Review
Ruiz also disclosed that performance audits are underway for presidential appointees under the PCO.
Following Malacañang’s directive for all incumbent PCO officials and heads of its attached agencies to submit their courtesy resignations by February 28, Ruiz said this was a standard process during leadership transitions.
Ruiz, who was recently sworn in by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., explained that trust is a key factor in forming his team.
“It’s important to work with people you can trust. As a secretary, you need to assess office processes and systems while also bringing in your own team. There’s nothing personal about it,” he said.
The proposed social media watchdog is still in the early stages of discussion, with further details expected in the coming months.
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