Palace debunks fake memo on half-day work

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday belied a “fake” presidential proclamation circulating on social media that supposedly declared a half-day work suspension for today.

“The Presidential Communications Office would like to announce that the circulating ‘Proclamation No. 427’ that declared Dec. 22, 2023 a special (half-working) day is confirmed to be false,” the PCO said in a statement.

“The said document is false and has no official verification from the government,” PCO added.

The supposed proclamation in question started circulating on social media platforms yesterday morning after Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications Cesar Chavez posted it on Facebook.

Under the proclamation, Marcos supposedly decided to allow “people the full opportunity to travel earlier to their respective residences and provinces in preparation to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones.”

Chavez has since apologized for the mistake.

“Apologies. I posted a content that was not first verified by me. For the confusion, the blame should be on me. I take full responsibility for this,” Chavez said.

PCO also reminded the public to be careful and only rely on official government sources for “correct information.”