By Celeste Tamayo

MANILA — The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has partnered with VERA Files to launch a series of training sessions aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation, while strengthening media literacy.

According to the PCO, the training series, titled “Siguraduhing Totoo: A VERA Files Fact-Checking and Online Verification Training,” is designed to enhance the skills of state media fact-checking officers nationwide.

The sessions will be held in Luzon on February 13-14, in the Visayas on February 20-21, and in Mindanao on February 27-28.

“This partnership is a significant step in reinforcing a transparent and independent fact-checking mechanism within state media. It also supports the government’s ‘Maging Mapanuri’ campaign, which promotes media literacy and combats misinformation,” the PCO said.

“The training will equip fact-checkers with essential skills to navigate complex information, fostering resilience against misinformation in the digital age,” it added.

VERA Files, an independent non-profit media organization, is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network.

ia/mnm

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Echoing the stance of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that fake news has no place in modern society, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) headed by veteran journalist-lawyer Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil on Wednesday (24 April 2024) warned the public against an audio “deep fake” of  PBBM allegedly directing the military to act against a “particular foreign country.”

The PCO stressed that they are actively working on measures to combat fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.

“No such directive exists nor has been made. Deepfakes are an advanced form of digital content manipulation through the use of generative Artificial Intelligence,” the PCO said.

Earlier, PCO Undersecretary Emerald Ridao noted that “9 out 10” people are vulnerable to “fake news.”

“We are also closely coordinating and working with the DICT, the National Security Council, the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee (NCIAC), and relevant private sector stakeholders to actively address the proliferation and malicious use of video and audio deepfakes and other generative A.I. content,” the PCO further said.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos continue to experience flu-like symptoms but have shown notable improvements, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday (March 22, 2024).

“Their vital signs remain stable, and they remain in a comfortable state. Both have received advice to continue their prescribed medications, ensure adequate fluid intake, and prioritize rest,” stated the PCO.

“The medical team will closely monitor their progress until they fully recover. We appreciate the public’s concern and well wishes. Further updates will be provided as necessary.”

Marcos and his wife developed flu-like symptoms following their full schedule in the past few days and were advised to take fluids and medication to alleviate their symptoms.

Their attending physician has advised them to get some rest to ensure a speedy recovery.

(el Amigo/MNM)