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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

House to launch three-panel probe into fake news industry

The House of Representatives is set to launch a full-blown investigation into the rampant spread of fake news and disinformation with the Tri Committee (TriComm) leading the charge to expose the people behind the massive disinformation machinery as well as its impact on Filipino society. 

Sta. Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan. Fernandez will preside over the first executive briefing on Monday in a joint panel, composed of the committees on public order, public information, and information and communications technology.

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

“The Filipinos have the right to know the truth. We must protect our countrymen against disinformation that could sow fear, confusion and division in our society,” he said.

The briefing would 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. 

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

Fernandez said those who spread lies and manipulate information for personal or political gain must be held accountable. 

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

The congressional inquiry shall also focus on the dangers of fake news to ordinary Filipinos, especially the youth and marginalized sectors, the most vulnerable to cyberbullying and online harassment. 

Fernandez issued a strong warning to fake news peddlers, vowing that Congress would act decisively against them. He advised the public to stay vigilant and critical of the information they consume online, urging a collective effort to combat the proliferation of fake news.

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