Gov’t Warns Against Fake Memo on Salary Deduction for Quake Donation

“This is not true.”

This was the statement from Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Chelroy Garadfil to reporters regarding the supposed salary deduction among government workers to create a relief fund for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The fake memo was titled "TWO DAYS SALARY DEDUCTION FOR THE MONTH MARCH 2023 FROM ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES FOR PRESIDENT RELIEF FUND FOR TURKEY AND SYRIA.” Lucas Bersamin was supposed to have signed the document.

Malacañang Palace has responded thru the Official Gazette Facebook page, saying that “Government officials and employees are hereby advised to practice precaution and to observe vigilance against these deceptive information.”

Earlier this month, the Philippine government sent a contingent of more than 80 to Turkey to assist with relief operations for the dual earthquakes to rock the region. The group is involved in the “Hasty Search” effort, as the window to rescue people under the rubble shrinks by the day.