January 27, 2025
MANILA – The House of Representatives is set to investigate the spread of fake news and disinformation in the country, aiming to uncover a “massive information machinery.”
Three House panels – committees on public order, public information, and information and communications technology – will jointly conduct the probe, which Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez will spearhead.
On Monday, January 27, the House committees will hold their first executive briefing.
“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 in a statement Sunday.
(Filipinos have the right to the truth. We must protect our fellow citizens from false information that causes fear, confusion, and division in our society.)
READ: House exec warns public vs fake news attacking critical lawmakers
In the same statement, the House said representatives from major social media platforms will be invited to the briefing to explain their policies on combating disinformation, cyberbullying, and harmful content.
It added that the inquiry will examine the role of social media companies in addressing fake news and holding repeat offenders accountable, including irresponsible influencers and vloggers.
The probe will also look into the broader consequences of disinformation on national security, particularly the West Philippine Sea dispute, and its impact on vulnerable sectors such as the youth and marginalized communities, according to the House.
Fernandez emphasized the need for stricter safeguards and penalties against people or entities that manipulate information for personal or political gain.
READ: Fighting fake news in the media
“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.
(We will not allow this system to continue, where our fellow citizens are deceived. It’s time to uncover those spreading lies for personal gain.)
He then urged the public to stay vigilant and critical of the information they read or see online, stressing that fighting fake news requires collective action.
“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,” Fernandez stressed.
(Fake news is a poison that destroys our democracy. We will not stop until those behind it are held accountable and the proper protections for our citizens are in place.)
“Sa mga nagpapalaganap ng kasinungalingan, binabalaan namin kayo. Sisiguraduhin natin na may pananagutan ang mga nagkakalat ng fake news,” he added.
(To those spreading lies, we warn you. We will ensure that those who spread fake news will be held accountable.)