The Palace said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is "slightly affected" by the fake news spreading in social media against the First Family, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

"In a way, he is slightly affected so that’s why they asked the PCO (Presidential Communications Office) to do its job to counter fake news not only for himself but for the country," Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Tuesday.

Castro also cited a study which shows "that there is this country with the network that really propagates negative news or information or misinformation specifically against the President and favoring the Vice President."

When asked if she is accusing Vice President Sara Dutete or her family as being behind the propaganda, Castro said she is "not accusing anybody but a lot of people are propagating misinformation against the President and the country."

In a broadcast interview, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said as part of their effort to fight fake news, its is monitoring the information coming from both the social vloggers and the mainstream media.

"Only the media post (will be monitored). We are not going to follow the person. We have already been doing it for a long time, we compile all of their press releases," he said.

"As a retired judge I respect the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Some are just giving their comments," he added. Robina Asido/DMS