NBI summons Mocha Uson over fake news

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) summoned Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Mocha Uson to over complaints of fake news.

The NBI sent a subpoena to Uson after a complaint was filed against her post about personal protective devices purchased and provided by the Department of Health, according to NBI cybercrime division chief Vic Lorenzo.

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But it turns out that the PPE came from a private company donation.

NBI summons Mocha Uson over fake news
NBI summons Mocha Uson over fake news (Image from PhilNews.ph)

Uson has already apologized for the mistake after the netizens complained.

According to Lorenzo, this is just the beginning of the investigation, and no charges have been filed yet.

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The NBI has made it clear that they are accepting cases about threats to official and fake news, especially when there are formal complaints such as Uson’s.

Authorities also arrested today a man in Aklan after he posted he would give P100 million reward to anyone who could kill President Rodrigo Duterte.

“‘Yong 50-milyon nyo doblihin ko, gawin kung 100-milyon kung sino makapatay kay Duterte. Andito ako ngayon sa Boracay,” the suspect said.

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(I will double the P50 million, I will give P100 million to anyone who could kill Duterte. I am in Boracay now.)

Yesterday, NBI also arrested a high school teacher in Zambales was caught after he posted he would give P50 million to anyone who could assassinate Duterte.

The suspect admitted to the crime and begged for forgiveness. He reasoned he only posted it to get more followers on Twitter. 

On April, the Philippine National Police (PNP) have arrested up to 32 people involved in spreading fake news or misinformation on social media in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March, a pastor was also arrested for spreading fake news in Agusan del Sur. 

The penalties of “arresto mayor” or imprisonment of one month and a day to six months, and a fine ranging from ₱40,000 to ₱200,000, shall be imposed upon “any person who by means of printing, lithography, or any other means of publication shall publish or cause to be published as news any false news which may endanger the public order, or cause damage to the interest or credit of the State,” according to Article 154.