Malacañang clarified that an official photo showing a projection screen during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) meeting was deliberately blurred as part of standard operating procedure, after it sparked false narratives online.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the blurring of portions of the image was done in line with SOPs for government photographers, especially when sensitive information appears on presentation screens.
“SOP ng aming mga photogs ‘pag may naka-flash sa screen to blur,” Gomez told Palace reporters, adding that in this instance, he personally authorized the release of an unblurred version of the photo to address public concern and misinformation.
The clarification came after some social media users questioned why text on the screen in a photo from Tuesday’s meeting appeared blurred. False claims also circulated online suggesting the image was taken on April 15, 2024, an assertion the PCO said was inaccurate.
Separate posts further fueled misinformation, including baseless allegations that President Marcos was suffering from Stage 4 cancer or had been confined in a private hospital.
Gomez said the spread of such narratives, particularly regarding the President’s health, appeared aimed at undermining and destabilizing the government.
He added that the PCO is preparing to take legal action, with complaints expected to be filed next week against those responsible for spreading disinformation.
