House to start probe on fake news peddlers, vows to unmask disinformation and its impact to Filipinos

THE House of Representatives is set to launch a full-blown investigation into the rampant spread of fake news and disinformation, with the Tricom Comm leading the charge to expose the people behind the massive disinformation machinery as well as its impact on Filipino society.

The joint panel, composed of the Committees on Public Order, on Public Information, and on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), will hold its first executive briefing this Monday with Sta. Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez presiding.

Fernandez underscored the urgency of addressing disinformation, emphasizing its detrimental effects on national unity, public order and democratic processes.

“Ang mga Pilipino ay may karapatan sa katotohanan. Dapat protektahan natin ang ating mga kababayan laban sa mga maling impormasyong nagdudulot ng takot, kalituhan at pagkakawatak-watak ng ating lipunan,” Fernandez said.

The briefing will bring together representatives from major social media platforms to shed light on their policies and accountability measures in combating fake news, cyberbullying and harmful content.

House lawmakers aim to scrutinize the effectiveness of these platforms in curbing disinformation and to identify legislative gaps that need to be addressed.

Fernandez stressed that those who spread lies and manipulate information for personal or political gain will be held accountable.

“Hindi natin hahayaang magpatuloy ang sistemang ito kung saan nalilinlang ang ating mga kababayan. Panahon na upang malaman natin ang mga nagpapakalat ng kasinungalingan para sa pansariling interes,” he said.

Among the key issues to be tackled in the briefing are the transparency of social media platforms in identifying and removing false information, the enforcement of accountability measures against repeat offenders such as irresponsible vloggers and influencers and the broader impact of disinformation on national security, particularly in relation to the West Philippine Sea dispute.

The House inquiry will also focus on the dangers fake news poses to ordinary Filipinos, especially the youth and marginalized sectors who are most vulnerable to cyberbullying and online harassment.

Lawmakers are expected to push for stronger policies that will ensure social media platforms implement stricter safeguards and penalties against violators.

Fernandez issued a strong warning to fake news peddlers, vowing that Congress will act decisively against them.

“Sa mga nagpapalaganap ng kasinungalingan, binabalaan namin kayo. Sisiguraduhin natin na may pananagutan ang mga nagkakalat ng fake news,” he declared.

He also called on the public to remain vigilant and critical of the information they consume online, urging a collective effort to combat the proliferation of fake news.

“Ang laban na ito ay hindi lamang sa loob ng Kongreso, kundi laban ito ng bawat Pilipino na naghahanap ng katotohanan,” he added.

“Ang fake news ay lason na sumisira sa ating demokrasya. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t mapanagot ang mga nasa likod nito at matiyak na may tamang proteksyon ang ating mga kababayan.”