The newly appointed Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications, Cesar Chavez, found himself at the center of an embarrassing blunder just two weeks into his high-profile position.

The incident unfolded as Chavez, in an attempt to communicate a significant announcement, posted a fake document on Facebook claiming that December 22 had been declared a special half-working day by Malacañang.

On Thursday afternoon, December 21, Chavez publicly apologized for the mishap, acknowledging the error and taking responsibility for the confusion. The initial post, accompanied by the caption “Ayan na (This is it)!” stirred speculation due to Chavez’s official role in Malacañang.

However, the supposed official document, Proclamation No. 427, declaring the special half-working day under the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., turned out to be entirely fabricated.

Malacañang promptly clarified the situation on its Official Gazette page, stating, “The document circulating as Proclamation No. 427 is false. It has been edited to appear as an official government declaration, but it lacks any official status or authentication.”

Interestingly, Proclamation No. 427, in reality, pertained to the recognition of nine artists as “Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023,” signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 15.

Chavez, a former radio station manager, admitted his oversight and emphasized his commitment to taking full responsibility for the incident. “I also posted content that was not first verified by me. For the confusion it has created, the blame [falls] on me,” he stated.

Highlighting the irony of the situation, Chavez acknowledged his background as a former newsman who has consistently advocated for fact-checking. The incident brings into question the reliability of information even within the highest echelons of government communication.

Chavez’s recent transfer from the Department of Transportation to the Office of the President earlier in December had raised eyebrows.

As presidential assistant for strategic communications, he retains the rank of undersecretary.