A resolution has been filed at the House of Representatives seeking a congressional inquiry into the spread of fake news, online harassment, cyber threats, disinformation, and other forms of digital abuse on social media and online platforms.
The resolution, filed by Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, calls on the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information to conduct a joint investigation in aid of legislation.
The proposed inquiry aims to determine whether existing laws remain adequate in addressing cyber-enabled attacks and online misconduct.
Garin said the inquiry seeks to strengthen the country’s legal framework against digital abuse while protecting constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and legitimate media expression.
The Iloilo lawmaker raised concerns over the spread of fabricated information, organized online attacks, and digital manipulation.
“With the increasing number of individuals spreading fake news, online attacks, threats, and scams, it is no longer only reputations that are being damaged. Public trust in truth and in our institutions is also slowly being eroded,” Garin said.
She said ordinary citizens, government officials, private individuals, and media practitioners have become targets of online harassment, cyberbullying, doxxing, extortion, and coordinated disinformation campaigns.
According to Garin, digital platforms should not be used to spread false information or intimidate individuals.
“Freedom of speech is fundamental in a democratic society, but it also carries responsibility. The purpose of this resolution is to protect the public from abuse without suppressing legitimate opinion and responsible journalism,” she said.
Garin also said Congress should review whether existing laws remain effective against evolving digital threats and technology-driven attacks.
She warned that increasingly sophisticated online disinformation networks and cyber-enabled harassment pose risks to individuals, democratic institutions, and public discourse.
“The fight against fake news is not a fight against opinion. Our fight is against lies, intimidation, defamation, and the use of technology to deceive or destroy others,” Garin said.
The proposed inquiry comes amid calls from lawmakers and other sectors to strengthen safeguards against online abuse while balancing civil liberties and press freedom.
