Robredo to DOJ: Ask NBI to probe fake news on other issues too, not just nCoV

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should investigate fake news about other issues as well, not just the novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD), Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday.

Robredo said this as she underscored the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) efforts to stop misinformation about the new virus.

“Sana hindi lang tungkol dito sa nCoV, sana i-activate iyan tungkol sa kahit anong bagay—kahit anong isyu, kahit sino iyong nabibiktima. Kasi hindi talaga nakakatulong sa bansa natin iyong hindi mo na alam iyong totoo at hindi,” Robredo said over “BISErbisyong LENI” in local radio station RMN-DZXL 558.

(The investigation should not only cover the nCoV, it should be activated in other matters, other issues and other victims of fake news. Because not being aware about the truth on other issues will not help our country.)

Previously, Justice Spokesman Markk Perete said the DOJ ordered NBI to probe fake news circulating on the nCoV and that “all leads will have to be considered, including those presented at the Senate.”

Robredo also said authorities also should not stop with its probe on fake news to make sure that information for the public is accurate.