PNP clarifies law vs fake news on coronavirus

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is clarifying the applicable law against spreading fake news, specifically regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak.

PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac stated that Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of the Anti-Cybercrime Law is the applicable law.

This clarification follows an earlier statement by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group that individuals spreading fake news could be charged under the repealed Presidential Decree 90.

Presidential Decree 90, which was voided in 1986, was mistakenly cited by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.

The PNP urges social media users to exercise caution and avoid sharing unofficial reports or face arrest.

Spreading fake news may result in a penalty of arresto mayor, which is imprisonment of one month and a day to six months.