Manila, Dec. 15 -- The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Monday expressed support for the creation of an independent fact-checking body, even as it stressed that publicly debunking and coordination with law enforcement remain the government's primary response to false online content.

PCO Undersecretary Ramon Ilagan made the statement during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media on proposed measures against fake news and online disinformation.

Ilagan clarified that PCO does not have the authority to order the immediate takedown of false content, explaining that the agency's mandate is focused on public education.

"As far as PCO is concerned, that's really beyond our control to take down. Ours...