Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 90)
The primary objective of Presidential Decree No. 90 is to declare unlawful rumormongering and spreading false information that disrupt peace, order, and tranquility in the country.
The offering, publishing, distributing, circulating, and spreading of rumors, false news, information, and gossip that cause panic, divisive effects, discredit or distrust for authorities, undermine government stability, endanger public order, or damage state interest or credit are unlawful.
Persons convicted under Presidential Decree No. 90 shall be punished by prision correctional.
Government officials or employees shall face the accessory penalty of absolute perpetual disqualification from holding any public office.
Presidential Decree No. 90 was enacted pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 and aims to support its objective for the early restoration of peace, order, and tranquility throughout the country.
Divisive effects refer to the social discord, distrust, or discredit caused among the people towards the duly constituted authorities or government stability by spreading rumors or false information.
Acts involving utterance, publication, distribution, circulation, and spreading of rumors, false news, information, or gossip are covered.
Prision correctional is a medium penalty under Philippine penal law, which generally involves imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years.
It implies that spreading false information or rumors that threaten societal peace and safety is punishable to protect public order.