The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) described as “fake news” an infographic posted on social media about the implementation of a new number coding scheme.
“Misinformation is spreading again that there is a new number coding scheme that the MMDA will implement. This is not true,” the agency stated in its advisory Thursday.
The MMDA reiterates that there is no change in the implemented scheme.
Although there was a proposal of modification in the number coding scheme, the MMDA stated that none have been approved.
In the event of a change in policy, it must be approved by the Metro Manila Council, which consists of 17 mayors of Metro Manila. The MMC is the governing board and policy-making body of MMDA.
The implementation of the expanded number coding scheme remains from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday, except during holidays.
“Stop spreading such messages that cause panic and confusion. If you receive a message or post on social media about the number coding and want to verify it, you can call the MMDA Hotline 136 or send a message to the MMDA official page on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,” the MMDA stated.
The agency asked the people to be more responsible in sharing posts on social media, especially on Facebook where millions of people are users.
It stated that spreading lies would only cause panic among the people and would not help the efforts being done by government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders.
Spreading false information carries the penalty of imprisonment from six months and one day to six years, the MMDA added.