A barangay in Polomolok, South Cotabato enacted an anti-gossip ordinance aimed at preventing community disputes stemming from false information among residents.
It was reported that Barangay Landan implemented Barangay Ordinance No. 8 (series of 2026), which seeks to penalize those found guilty of spreading malicious rumors about their neighbors.
Violators may be fined P1,000 for a first offense and P1,500 for a second offense, while a mandatory public apology on social media may be imposed when evidence establishes responsibility.
The ordinance was authored by Barangay Kagawad Joey Salazar Minggito, who said that many complaints in their barangay stem from false stories about other residents.
He added that officials end up spending their time resolving conflicts that could have been avoided if residents had simply been more careful about spreading information about each other.
Minggito said that the ordinance does not limit people’s freedom of speech but only targets malicious gossip proven to be supported by sufficient evidence after an investigation.
Several residents reportedly expressed support for the measure, saying that harmful gossip destroys friendships, damages family relationships and creates unnecessary tension among neighbors who otherwise live peacefully together.
The ordinance was welcomed online.
“Finally,” a Facebook user commented with grinning emojis.
“The people from our place are exhausted,” another wrote, adding similar emojis.
“I hope it’s true because it can really ruin mental health,” a different Pinoy commented.
Filipinos, like people in many cultures, may engage in casual conversations about other people as a way to socialize, exchange information, and connect with others.
Such conversations can also occur among people who spend more time at home, as they provide an opportunity to stay connected with their neighbors, friends and wider community.
