Communications Secretary Martin Andanar debunked reports that the entire country will be placed under a total lockdown for the next two weeks, saying a total lockdown was not even on the table, to begin with.
Reports circulated online that President Duterte has approved the recommendation to declare a total nationwide lockdown which would mean the closure of establishments, and turning over the control to the military.
In a radio interview, Andanar said the lockdown rumors were the most absurd one he heard since the enhanced community quarantine was declared in the entire Luzon to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“Wala po ‘yan sa lamesa. ‘Yan po ang pinakamalaking fake news, so far, na narinig ko for the last 14 days,” he told Brigada News FM.
“May araw din ‘yang mga nagpapakalat ng fake news. Mahuhuli din yung mga ‘yan at once mahuli ‘yang mga ‘yan, talagang masasampolan ‘yan ng ating Philippine National,” he added.
Andanar reminded fake news peddlers that their actions have consequences under the Anti-Cybercrime law and under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act that penalizes them a fine of at least P10,000 to P1 million or two-month jail time.
The Palace official likewise told fake news peddlers that what they are doing is only making the situation worse.
“Tigilan na natin ito sapagkat hindi nakakatulong. Mahirap na nga ang stiwasyon,” Andanar said.
“Hindi madali, lahat po apektado… Hindi ho talaga normal. What we’re experiencing now is the new normal. Economic activity is close to zero,” he added.
“Maraming mga negosyong apektado, maraming nawalan ng trabaho. Tapos magpapakalat ka pa ng fake news, tatakutin mo pa ang tao. Ano’ng klaseng tao ka kung ganyan ang pag-uugali mo?” he continued. (ArgyllCyrus B. Geducos)