AS NEXT year’s local and national polls near, political black propaganda against Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco also intensifies with trolls using the social media to spread fake news and disinformation campaign, especially at a time when people are suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The mayor’s supporters and followers said Climaco’s foes have in the past years criticized her every single day, spreading false information and deceit not only on social media, but mainstream media as well.
Even the local government’s Covid response and efforts were not spared - from food aid for residents to infrastructure projects to a pothole on the road, and even nature’s wrath were also being blamed to the mayor.
From the start since she ran for the second time and won the election overwhelmingly, Climaco said the local government strongly abide and maintain transparency, accountability and inclusivity in all Covid-19 relief and support efforts to disprove and counter the propaganda of hate and division that do not contribute to healing, to community solidarity, to a more caring, optimistic and nurturing culture that her administration aims to build to counter this pandemic.
“Too much negativity will not foster peace, will not foster progress and will not bring prosperity to our people. Covid-19 has increased vulnerability of our communities and our youth to hate, to polarization and extremism. Narratives are even twisted to build distrust versus the government such as conspiracy theories in social media that say government fabricates Covid numbers so it can get more funds and support from the national government. We also received accusations that the local government abuses its powers because as it implements strict yet necessary Covid regulations,” she said.
The mayor said the Covid fatigue has made people more prone to distrust and disregard government guidance and information. “Many feel restricted by the Covid-health measures. We have curfew, limited recreational activities, and strict requirements for masks, face shields and social distancing and these are taking a toll on everyone’s mental health and well-being, which has also led to cases of depression, and sadly, even suicide,” Climaco noted.
Last year, she also lambasted fake news and false information being peddled by her detractors and called on the public to carefully scrutinize news or stories created to deliberately misinform or deceive the people.
“El black propaganda ta continua y el fake news, false information na social media ta continua hace calayat el cuantos maga persona que tiene mal intencion para destrosa el govierno local, para destrosa el esfuerzos del govierno por de ila vested interest,” Climaco said.
“Y el los demas personas, como venganza contra con el govierno cay no puede estos maga gente influir con el gobierno local. Por tantos años, el ataque contra na administracion sin descanso por causa de politica,” she added.
Climaco said the black propaganda is a gross distortion of the truth, adding, the local government continues to work hard for the welfare of the people while her foes are busy spreading black propaganda ahead of the national and local elections.
“We will continue rendering service and we assure the public that the City Government will not cease doing its share in community-building (efforts), especially during this trying time. My co-workers in the City Government, specifically the department heads, knew what they are doing and I urge the public to trust them more than ever,” she said.
“I assure you that public interest is their sole motive and no other because the truth is on our side. I am proud of my team and together we will rise from petty politicking. (Zamboanga Post)
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