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Manila Bulletin devider devider Palace on peddlers of fake news vs Duterte: Let them be

Palace on peddlers of fake news vs Duterte: Let them be

Published Feb 4, 2019 03:18 pm
By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Malacañang has no plans to go after those who are spreading false news about the President's health and supposed death in social media, according to spokesman Salvador Panelo. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo (OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) Rumors have been circulating in social media that the President had supposedly died after skipping an event in Leyte last week. In his press briefing, Panelo said they are now used to rumors about Duterte's health circulating whenever the President skips an event he is supposed to attend. "Ordinary na 'yun eh (That's now ordinary). We're used to that anyway so let it be... Hayaan mo sila (Let them be)," he said Monday. According to Panelo, the Palace will not waste time to press charges against "enemies of the President", particularly online trolls who spread such fake news, saying nobody believes them anyway. "It looks like they (the people) are not affected by it -- the majority of the Filipinos. It does not affect them anyway kasi matagal na iyang kinakalat na iyan. Wala namang naniniwala. Natatawa na lang nga (because they've been spreading that for some time but nobody believes it. It's become a laughing matter now)," he said. "Sinasadya nga nila 'yun, mga kritiko. Actually, galing iyan sa mga kalaban ni Presidente, hindi sa ordinaryong tao (They are doing this on purpose. These are coming from the enemies of the President and not from ordinary people)," he added. "Yung mga maiingay na trolls. We call them trolls sa social media. Siguro wala lang magawa (The noisy social media trolls. Maybe they don't have anything better to do)," he continued. According to Panelo, Duterte skipped the event in Palo, Leyte on Friday because of a slight fever. "He wanted to make sure na hindi na lalala 'yun kaya nagpahinga (that it will not get worse that's why he chose to get some rest)," he said. To put the rumors to rest, Duterte's common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña went live on Facebook Sunday afternoon where the President responded to the rumors himself. "Because the social media was buzzing with so many speculations so she felt it was necessary para matapos na kaagad 'yung tsismis (so the rumors will now end)," Panelo said. Panelo dismissed suggestions that Duterte should release a medical report. "Nag-pahinga lang, medical report na kaagad. Pag serious illness lang. Kung serious illness. Hindi naman eh (He just took some rest, there is no need for a medical report for now. If it's a serious illness then that is needed)," he said. On Sunday, Duterte mocked those who are spreading false news about his death. "For those who believe in the news that I passed away, then I request of you, please pray for me, for the eternal repose of my soul. Thank you," he said over Avanceña's Facebook live video. Duterte added that he would tell God everyone's wishes once he meets him, if that would be the case. "My reaction to my passing away: I will ask God first if I... if He's available for interview. Kasi pupunta na ako doon. Ano mga mensahe ninyo? Dadalhin ko (Because I will be going there. What are your messages? I will tell Him)," he said.
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