PBA party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles is urging the public to stay more vigilant and critical when bombarded by trolls with disinformation.
Nograles called on everyone to be careful when consuming information online, citing a resurgence of fake news peddled by internet influencers and buoyed by troll farms all over social media.
The troll farms seemed to target those who have raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of the Department of Education, Office of the Vice President, and those who helped the Quad Comm ferret out the truth on Philippine offshore and gaming operators, extrajudicial killings and illegal drug syndicates, her statement read.
She said the strategy is to enlist the so-called influencers to propagate misinformation and disinformation, and have trolls comment that they believe the lies and spread this to gain traction in social media.
Many lawmakers, including herself and members of the “Young Guns of Congress,” who have been vocal in scrutinizing the use of funds by these government offices are now the subjects of orchestrated troll attacks and baseless allegations, she lamented.
Such is a coordinated effort to discredit those who are holding public officials accountable, she said.
“I have been a victim of fake news for a long time and continue to be victimized. It is sad that the officials who ask questions and help our people are being slandered. All of these are fake news,” she added.
She cited the importance of distinguishing fact from fiction, noting that fake news has the potential to mislead the public and damage the credibility of well-meaning officials.
Several lawmakers who have been critical of the OVP and DepEd as well as those vocal in Quad Comm hearings have also fallen victim to relentless trolling campaigns.
Nograles stressed those facing scrutiny should answer in the proper forums instead of resorting to social media.
“If there are questions about irregularities and mismanagement of public funds, they should be answered in the proper forum, not on social media. We should not fall prey to propaganda and false information,” she said.
“As citizens, it is our duty to be careful in sharing information. Just one click can spread falsehoods that will cause confusion,” she said.
