MANILA – Spreading of fake reports regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now punishable of detention and a P1-million fine after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” on Tuesday night.
Under the provision in the signed law, those who will spread false reports regarding COVID-19 crisis are punishable with a two-month jail sentence, or a fine of P10,000 to P1 million.
The said provision was included in the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” with false information about COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly online sowing fear and confusion among Filipinos.
The Philippine National Police can use the Cybercrime Prevention Act to prosecute those who spread false information about COVID-19.
Other people who could face a two-month jail sentence, or a fine of P10,000 to P1 million include online fraudsters, hoarders and price gougers.
Also facing the same punishment are local government officials who disobey the national government’s policies, owners of private hospitals who refuse to operate according to the directive of Duterte, and businesses who refuse to accept contracts for materials and services needed in the government’s response to COVID-19.
President Duterte has signed a law that allows him special powers for a limited time to step up the government’s fight against the COVID-19.
The signing of the law came amid the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon until April 12 to curb the spread of Covid-19.
President Duterte, in a televised address on Tuesday night, thanked Congress for granting the executive department with “special powers” to address the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak in the country.
“I especially thank Congress for granting the executive department with special powers through the ‘Bayanihan to Heal as One’ Act to effectively respond to the challenges caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic,” Duterte said.
“I express my sincerest gratitude to all of you for granting our most urgent requests. Finally, the executive department can move, decide, and act freely for the best interest of the Filipino people during this health crisis,” he added./PN
