New PCO chief Chavez to deploy fact checkers in state-run media

Newly appointed Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Fact-check officers will soon be deployed in government media agencies, said newly appointed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez on Thursday.

Chavez made the pronouncement as he cited combating fake news as one of his main priorities as the new PCO chief.

“Ang tingin ko may responsable ang mga taga-gubyerno na huwag maging instrumento at huwag maglalako ng fake news,” said Chavez in a chance interview with Palace reporters.

(I think the government has a responsibility not to be an instrument and not to peddle fake news.)

“… I’m going to do it [to] all state media — sa probinsya sa regional bureaus, PNA (Philippine News Agency), PIA (Philippine Information Agency), PTV4, IBC, to designate a fact-check officer para kami mismo hindi maging tagapaglako, tagapagtaguyod at hindi rin kami maging instrumento [ng fake news],” he added.

(I’m going to do it to all state media — in the province in the regional bureaus, PNA, PIA, PTV4, IBC, to designate a fact-check officer for us ourselves not be peddlers, advocates and we will not be instruments of fake news.)

However, Chavez stressed that it is not only the government’s duty to avoid spreading deliberate misinformation, calling on the public to not peddle false information.

Apart from fake news, Chavez also vowed to prioritize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s policies, programs and various projects.

READ: Cesar Chavez takes oath as press secretary

Chavez was appointed Press Secretary on Thursday, Sept. 5, replacing Cheloy Garafil.