On Thursday, PDP Laban, the political party of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies, criticized the House committees conducting hearings on online disinformation, accusing them of harassing vloggers and content creators associated with the Dutertes.
The party argued that the House mega panel’s “insistence” on summoning vloggers and social media influencers who are “perceived to be pro-Duterte” constitutes “harassment” and infringes upon the fundamental right to free speech and expression, ABS-CBN News reported.
While Congress has the authority to issue invitations and subpoenas to resource persons during hearings as part of its oversight function and legislative duties, PDP Laban contended that such actions are a direct or subtle attempt to undermine free speech.
In a statement, the party emphasized that “now more than ever, this right is vital in demanding accountability for the widespread corruption, abuses, and irregularities within the government.”
The House Tri-Comm, which is composed of the Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information committees, approved a motion on Tuesday to subpoena social media personalities who failed to attend its hearing.
The content creators to be subpoenaed include former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Krizette Laureta Chu, Sass Rogando Sasot, and Lorraine Marie Badoy-Partosa.
PDP Laban criticized the House for using its time and resources to target content creators, arguing that lawmakers’ efforts would be better spent on improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.