Malacañang is open to considering broader restrictions on digital platforms that contribute to harmful content and pose risks to the public, Presidential Communications Office Press Officer Claire Castro said Tuesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Castro, who was asked whether Malacañang supports banning Facebook, indicated that the government was willing to consider broader restrictions against digital platforms if they were found to be harmful to the public.

Asked directly whether Malacañang supports banning Facebook, Castro indicated that the government was willing to consider broader restrictions against digital platforms if they were found to be harmful to the public.

“Sa lahat. Maaaring gaming app, lahat ng pwedeng masasabing makakasira sa ating kabataan at sa bansa natin, open po tayo na matanggal ng lahat ng iyan,” she said.

The Palace position, however, points to the need for a careful and evidence-based review before any platform is banned. Such a measure could have far-reaching implications for communication, business, education, journalism and the public’s access to information.

The government would also have to distinguish between harmful or deliberately false content and legitimate opinions, criticism and political discourse. Any restrictions would likewise need to be consistent with constitutional protections on freedom of speech and expression.

Castro made the statement after the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said it was considering proposals to ban Facebook or Meta following recent incidents of deadly violence allegedly linked to social media activity.

Asked whether the Palace would support such a move, Castro said the government should first thoroughly study the possible effects and accountability of social media platforms.

Castro said the government could consider stronger measures if social media companies continued to disregard calls to protect Filipinos from violence and misinformation.

However, Castro stressed that the Palace’s position against fake news should not be interpreted as an attempt to suppress legitimate criticism or freedom of expression.

Castro said the administration’s concern is specifically the deliberate spread of false information, which she said could have serious consequences for the country, particularly for young Filipinos. Presidential News Desk