‘Zero tolerance’ for ‘energy lockdown’ fake news peddlers — Palace
Malacañang has issued a stern warning of 'zero tolerance' against individuals spreading 'energy lockdown' fake news related to the country's power situation. Acting PCO Secretary Dave Gomez emphasized that intentionally creating and sharing false information could lead to legal consequences, as it undermines public trust and economic stability.
On April 3, 2026, Malacañang Palace initially debunked claims of an 'energy lockdown' starting April 20, 2026, as fake news. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated via Viber message to reporters that a circulating advisory—falsely bearing the Department of Energy (DOE) logo—was 'fake news.' The false advisory urged preparation of power banks, solar equipment, candles, food, and other essentials, claiming government-imposed lockdowns due to fuel shortages and a COVID-19 variant. This followed Castro's March 27 briefing where she confirmed no lockdown was expected after Iran's denial of U.S. negotiations amid Middle East tensions, while noting efforts to secure oil from alternative sources.
Two days later, on April 5, 2026, Malacañang escalated its response with Acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez issuing a stern warning of 'zero tolerance' against individuals spreading 'energy lockdown' fake news. Gomez declared that violators face up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, doubled to one year if spread online under the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175). He emphasized that intentionally creating and sharing false information could lead to legal consequences, as it undermines public trust and economic stability.
The Palace labeled the circulating advisory as deliberate disinformation designed to exploit the country's energy emergency situation. Gomez vowed legal action through the PCO's anti-fake news desk in coordination with the Department of Justice, stating that such acts threaten Filipinos' welfare and destabilize the economy. The government is addressing energy concerns through other measures, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s declaration of a one-year national energy emergency, nationwide fuel subsidy expansion starting April 6, and Iran's assurance of safe passage for Philippine vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Palace urged the public to rely on official sources and announced intensified social media monitoring to counter disinformation campaigns. Multiple credible Philippine news outlets including Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency (PNA), ABS-CBN, and SunStar reported the statements consistently, confirming the authenticity of the government's position against fake news peddlers amid the country's energy challenges.
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