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Monday, February 17, 2025

Vloggers snub Tricomm, ask SC to stop probe

The House Tri Committee on Tuesday began its hearing on concerns over disinformation and fake news on social media but many of the resource persons invited filed instead a petition with the Supreme Court demanding a stop to the proceedings.

The Tri Comm, composed of the Committees on Public Order and Safety, on Information and Communications Technology, and on Public Information,had invited political and social media content creators to discuss cybercrimes, online harassment, and fake news.

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Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers emphasized that their objective was not to curtail free speech but to establish accountability in the digital space.

He called for a regulatory framework for social media, similar to the ethical standards upheld by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for broadcast media.

“Our goal is to develop a code of conduct for content creators, ensuring accountability and ethical responsibility in this rapidly evolving digital space,” he explained.

However, many of the invited vloggers, led by former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, went to the Supreme Court questioning the inquiry and filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition.

In a social media post, Harry. Roque, who serves as the group’s legal counsel, pointed out that the latest House action is targeting the Dutertes and their allies.

“It is no coincidence that the conduct of the joint inquiry happened after the announcement of the House Secretary General that the three impeachment complaints vs. VP Inday Sara Duterte are about to be transmitted to Speaker Martin Romualdez this week,” he said.

“As I have said on numerous occasions, this latest action is part of the political witch hunt to silence the Dutertes and their outspoken allies. The real intent is to muzzle the free speech of these modern-day truth-tellers,” Roque added.

Among the petitioners were Cruz-Angeles, Mark Anthony Lopez, Ernesto S. Abines Jr., Ethel Pineda Garcia, Krizette Laureta Chu, Jonathan A. Morales, Lorraine Marie Badoy-Partosa, Aeron S. Pena, Nelson U. Guzmanos, Elizabeth Joie Cruz, Suzanne Batalla, Kester John Tan, and George Ahmed G. Paglinawan.

As this developed, the Tri Comm sought the possible disbarment of Cruz-Angeles.

Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano moved to have the House legal department study the possibility of filing a disbarment case against Angeles after she questioned the proceedings of the House despite being an officer of the court.

“[I] ask the legal department for a possible disbarment case against Attorney Trixie Angeles,” Paduano said as he demanded an explanation from the lawyer regarding her absence.

The Tri Comm also issued show cause orders against Cruz-Angeles and several social media personalities for refusing to appear at a congressional hearing.

The show cause orders were issued against Elizabeth Joie Cruz, who goes by Joie De Vivre online; Krizette Lauretta Chu, Mark Anthony Lopez, Jun Abines Jr., Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata, Aaron Peña, Suzanne Batalla (IamShanwein) and Ethel Pineda.

Meanwhile, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez raised concerns over how misinformation has affected public health and personal security, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example of how fake news can endanger lives.

The lawmaker also noted that cybercrimes have become more common than traditional crimes, affecting many Filipinos. “Who among you has been a victim of a scam or known someone who was scammed? Probably all of us, too,” he said.

Another growing concern, according to Fernandez, is the normalization of toxic behavior and cyberbullying, particularly among minors that may have long-term negative effects on their mental health.

He also strongly condemned trolls who actively spread misinformation about the West Philippine Sea, questioning their loyalty to the nation. “Can we consider the Filipino trolls who are spreading false information about it as traitors of our country?” he asked.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., sponsor of House Resolution (HR) 286, emphasized both the power and danger of social media, noting its ability to connect communities while also spreading harmful content.

“We all experience browsing our social media platforms and more often, we come across racist, sexist, homophobic, religious and political-based hate contents,” he said.

To address these concerns, HR 286 seeks to improve transparency and accountability mechanisms for social media platforms.

“Most especially, it calls for an enhanced content moderation, reporting systems and safeguards against misuse of algorithms,” Gonzales explained.

Additionally, he emphasized the need for stronger digital literacy programs and a review of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, to address emerging threats posed by digital misinformation.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel took a cautious yet firm stance on social media regulation, acknowledging both its benefits and dangers.

Pimentel emphasized the delicate balance between fighting fake news and protecting free speech, saying that Congress must carefully craft legislation that ensures accountability while preserving democratic freedoms.

“We must ask ourselves: What constitutes fake news? How can we differentiate between misinformation and legitimate debate? What role should social media companies play in monitoring and curbing the spread of false information?” Pimentel said.

Agusan del Sur Rep. Jose Aquino II, for his part, pointed out that the speed and scale of disinformation in the digital age have made it a national security concern.

“In today’s digital era, its speed and impact are unprecedented, which compels us to address this head-on. Intentionally misleading information poses significant risks to our society – undermining public trust, threatening public safety, and influencing public opinion,” he said.

The lawmakers agreed that fake news is a growing national threat that requires immediate intervention.

Barbers warned that if left unchecked, disinformation could further erode trust in government institutions and undermine democracy.

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