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 1USD 0.02INR 1EUR 0.02CNY 0.12 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 10,000USD 170INR 14,446EUR 162CNY 1,241 to PHP 1USD 0.02INR 1EUR 0.02CNY 0.12 million.

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