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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Solon warns rumor-mongering law could apply to people spreading nCoV fake news

Solon warns rumor-mongering law could apply to people spreading nCoV fake news

Published Feb 5, 2020 12:00 am
By Ellson Quismorio  A House leader has warned the public about a decades-old law that could be used against them if they spread fake news about the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (YouTube / MANILA BULLETIN) Rep. Robert Ace Barbers
(YouTube / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) "There's a special law on that already, it was passed during the time of former president Marcos," Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said, referring to Presidential Decree (PD) No. 90. Enacted in 1973, PD No. 90 identifies rumor-mongering and the spreading of false information as punishable offenses. Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, equates the dissemination of fake or unverified news on the deadly virus with rumor-mongering. "I'd like to appeal to our fellow Filipinos to hold off on spreading unverified information on nCoV since it does not help our current situation. Worse, they will get in trouble with the law," Barbers said. Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra recently tasked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the spread of fake news regarding the 2019-nCoV and file charges against individuals of necessary. Barbers expressed support for the move. "Let the police and law enforcers do, huwag na Kongreso (not Congress). Tutal, batas na 'yun eh (It's already a law, anyway)." Most foul Another House member from Mindanao, Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, said it is possible for PD 90 to be applicable, but had some reservations. "Pwede rin (It could work). I'm just not sure if the spread of fake news through the Internet and social media would be covered by the PD," said Romualdo, who is a lawyer. At any rate, he said he is also backing the DOJ-ordered investigation. "I very much support that. It would seem that some are intent on causing panic and hysteria in the country." READ MORE: Guvarra orders NBI to help DOH with contact tracing, investigate nCoV fake news "This doesn't help anyone at all and it can actually hurt ordinary Filipinos. This is why the spreading of fake news on nCoV is, to me, most foul," he added. READ MORE: PNP threatens to file cases vs. purveyors of nCoV fake news
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