The Cebu Provincial Government has issued a stern warning to the public about the circulation of fabricated statements falsely attributed to Governor Pamela Baricuatro on social media platforms.
Fake Social Media Posts Exposed
Authorities confirmed that misleading posts have been spreading online, featuring fabricated quotes from Governor Baricuatro regarding her political stance. The fake statement claimed she said: "Atong election wala ko suportahi sa Iglesia ni Cristo so walay rason nga mosupporta ko sa ilahang panawagan nga monaog si BBM."
What makes these posts particularly deceptive is their use of legitimate news organization logos to appear authentic. The Capitol explicitly stated on November 20, 2025 that the governor never made such remarks and that the posts are completely false.
Coordinated Misinformation Campaign
Provincial officials identified these fake posts as part of a deliberate effort to damage Governor Baricuatro's reputation. The Capitol described this as "a coordinated misinformation campaign aimed at smearing the Governor's reputation."
The timing of these fake posts coincides with recent developments involving the Iglesia Ni Cristo, which held a rally in the capital calling for transparency and accountability regarding alleged government corruption. The rally also included calls for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down from his position.
Legal Consequences and Public Advisory
The provincial government emphasized that spreading false information could lead to criminal charges and potential imprisonment. Officials warned that anyone found sharing or creating fake content could face legal consequences.
Authorities urged the public to practice responsible social media usage by:
- Verifying information before sharing
- Checking official sources for confirmation
- Being cautious of posts using news organization branding
- Reporting suspicious content to authorities
The warning serves as a crucial reminder about the dangers of misinformation in the digital age and the importance of digital literacy among Filipino social media users.
