Mocha is no spreader of fake news, ‘I’ll take her word for it’ – Palace official

Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson —JOAN BONDOC

A senior Palace official refuted on Monday the accusation of a youth group that Presidential Communications Asst. Sec. Esther Margaux “Mocha” Uson is a purveyor of misinformation.

While admitting that he does not read Uson’s blog, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra stood by the assistant secretary who had repeatedly denied that she spreads fake news.

“Of course not,” Guevarra said when asked in a press briefing if the Duterte administration believes that Uson is a purveyor of fake news.

“To tell you frankly di ko naman binabasa lahat ng mga sa mga (I am not reading all these) blogs. I don’t have much time to go over these things. She’s consistently denied it so I’ll take her word for it as a fellow worker, I’ll take her word for it,” he added.

Guevarra issued the statement shortly after Akbayan Youth filed an administrative complaint against Uson before the Ombudsman for allegedly using her position to propagate misinformation and silence administration critics online.

READ: Sack Mocha for spreading fake news, youth leaders ask Ombudsman

In the 10-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, Akbayan Youth sought for Uson’s “removal from office and dismissal from service” over grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

The group said that despite being appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as a Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) assistant secretary on May 8, 2017, Uson maintains a public and open blog called “Mocha Uson Blog.”

She also has a radio and television segment in radio station DZRH, the group added.

Guevarra expressed confidence that Uson would be able to defend herself from the accusations and explain her side.

“Well I’m sure Asec. Mocha will be able to defend herself. Meron namang mga processes to follow and to observe and she’ll be given her chance to be able to explain [her side],” he noted.                      /kga