Marcos tasks PCO to fight fake news targeting First Family

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has tasked the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to intensify efforts against misinformation and disinformation, particularly targeting the First Family.

Malacañang noted that fake news against the Marcoses has surged, especially following the fallout within the "UniTeam" alliance and the souring relationship between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro observed a network spreading negative news against the President and favoring the Vice President, although she clarified that the Vice President was not being directly accused.

The First Family has been a victim of fake news since the political rift between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte emerged in 2024.

Tensions escalated when VP Duterte allegedly "threatened" to assassinate the First Couple and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if anything were to happen to her.

Recently, the First Couple has been the subject of various fake news reports, including a false claim that First Lady Liza Marcos had been detained in Los Angeles.

Malacañang dismissed the detention claim as fake news, confirming the First Lady had returned from her U.S. trip.

The First Lady also faced criticism for a "photoshopped" picture, which Malacañang rejected, challenging critics to provide proof.