Gov’t officials call as “fake news” supposed nationwide lockdown, including closure of wet markets

March 23, 2020

Government officials denied on Sunday that Malacanang would implement a nationwide lockdown, including closure of wet markets, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease.

A supposed proclamation circulated on the social media sites, stating that the Palace would declare the nationwide lockdown next week "to include all wet markets to stop people from going about...food will be rationed every 3 days."

The "fake" proclamation also stated that this was the reason why the Palace was distributing passes as it also supposedly advised the public to "stock food for 2 weeks."

"Absolutely not true. Stop believing false news and information," said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a text message to reporters.

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also branded the news as "fake."

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, a close ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, said that the supposed proclamation was a "classic example again of fake news."

He said it does not help and would give more anxiety and problem to the Filipinos.

"Please quarantine their mouth," the senator added.

The entire Luzon, including Metro Manila, has been placed under enhanced community quarantine or lockdown.

But the markets, including wet markets, are open as the flow of goods, including food, is not hampered. Celerina Monte/DMS