By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

After several social media pages claiming to be operated by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, along with various members of his Grupo Progreso coalition, appeared over the weekend, the mayor advised the public to not fall for false information.

In a radio interview late Monday night, Leonardia affirmed he does not use social media and said his official social media page is managed by the city’s Public Information Office.

He believes the act was politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito issued a warning to the individuals maintaining the fake social media pages, noting, they can be charged under RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, for spreading libelous material on social media.

Distrito added, the individuals could also be charged with identity theft.

The said pages went viral over the weekend after city residents were awaiting official announcements from the city government regarding possible class suspensions due to expected heavy rains./DGB, WDJ