Film writer arrested over Facebook post

CEBU, Philippines —  Labeled as both “fake news” and “satire,” the Facebook post read: “9,000+ new cases (All from Zapatera) of Covid-19 in Cebu City in one day. We are now the epicenter in the whole Solar System.”

The same post landed Cebuano film writer and entrepreneur Maria Victoria “Bambi” Beltran in jail as it was, according to authorities, a violation of the prohibition against the peddling of “fake information” about COVID-19 under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act signed by President Duterte.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella confirmed Beltran’s arrest yesterday, saying “she is under the custody of the police. I think they were able to locate and arrest her this morning.”

As of yesterday, no charges had been filed against Beltran, but Labella said that one will be made by Monday.

“I hope that will serve as a deterrent and a lesson for those who would always make and spread fake news that there (are) always the hands of the law. This is a violation of the law and, of course, she has to defend herself in court,” the mayor said.

Labella said that the spreading of wrong and unverified information will just cause panic and fear among the public and worsen the situation.

He also asked everyone to remain vigilant amid different information accessible online, and especially with the rampant spread of fake news.

 ‘It was satire’

But the Movement Against Tyranny in Cebu, through its spokesperson Noe Santillan, was quick to denounce the action of the Cebu City government and the Philippine National Police “as misguided approach in addressing the problems posed by the pandemic.”

In a statement, the group said:

“Beltran’s post was in response to the vague proclamations made by the Cebu City government and the DOH stating that the entire sitio is considered to be contaminated and infected. Without any categorical explanation about what it meant and no further discussion on the implications and further plans, such proclamation is subject to various take by the public.

“The city government and the DOH failed to provide the public with clear and reliable information. It only posed fear upon the Cebuano citizens, most especially those who are in Brgy. Luz.

“Miss Beltran’s post was also satirical of such vague information shared by these responsible government offices and was not presented as a news claim. Instead of persecuting Miss Beltran and those who ‘mistook’ the DOH’s and city government’s statements, it could have been an opportunity for your accountable office to clarify the matter.

“While a lot of Cebuanos, especially the residents of Sitio Zapatera, are in worsening socio-economic conditions and the constant threat of the pandemic, all efforts of the national and local government must be in improving its medical capacity and social amelioration.

“The movement also denounces the use of this ‘Anti-Fake News’ provision of the Bayanihan Act to persecute common citizens and critiques while they turn a blind eye on government institutions and personalities peddling false information about the pandemic.

“This brand of leadership is not what we need right now. What we need is an efficient government willing and able to address the medical and socio-economic needs of its constituents, not a leviathan very eager to maintain its posture to the extent of persecuting ordinary citizens.

“With this, we reiterate the call for release of Ms. Beltran and call upon the Cebu City Government to be less reactive on the situation and redirect all its resources and energy to trace, contain, and treat the virus to end this pandemic.” JMD (FREEMAN)