Palace warns public anew on fake news

Malacañang on Friday reiterated its call for the public to be vigilant against the spread of fake news and malicious rumors, especially those meant to malign the administration.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro voiced concern over the circulation of false information, including the claim that she is related to ACT Teachers partylist Rep. France Castro.

During a press briefing, Castro addressed the issue, reacting to a social media interview where the Vice President accused both Rep. Castro and “her cousin Claire Castro” of making critical statements.

“Siguro ito po iyong nakakalungkot. Bilang isang Bise Presidente, dapat na nanunood po siya ng mga press briefings. Niliwanag ko na po iyan minsan,” she said.

Castro clarified that while they share the same surname, she has no familial ties to the lawmaker.

“At alam ninyo po iyan … ang patungkol sa nasasabing relasyon namin ni Representative France Castro. inabi ko po na kami po ay hindi magkamag-anak. Magkapareho lang po siguro ng surname,” she explained.

Despite the confusion, Castro said she wouldn’t be ashamed to be related to the congresswoman.

“Pero hindi ko po ikakahiya kung siya man po ay naging kamag-anak ko dahil siya po ay makabayan. Masasabi po nating makabayan, makatao rin po. Pero nagkataon lang po, hindi po kasi kami magkamag-anak,” she concluded.