COVID-19 fake news spreaders to face jail time, PHP 1 million fine

Those who create and spread fake news about COVID-19 can now be punished with jail time and up to PHP 1 million fine.

In a report by CNN Philippines, the recently signed Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which gives President Duterte special powers to solve the COVID-19 crisis, allows the government to punish those who create or spread false information about the crisis, as well as online fraudsters, hoarders, and price gougers.

The punishment includes a two-month jail sentence or a fine ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 1 million.

The PNP also said that the Cybercrime Prevention Act can also be used to prosecute those who spread COVID-19 fake news.