Lawmakers gathered Tuesday at the Tri Committee hearing to address the rampant spread of disinformation and fake news on social media.
They expressed grave and serious concern over the weaponization of digital platforms, the rise of organized troll networks, and cited the need for government intervention to regulate misinformation.
The Tri Comm is composed of the Committees on Public Order and Safety, on Information and Communications Technology, and on Public Information.
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.
Barbers further highlighted the rising influence of trolls, vloggers and malicious actors, who have weaponized social media to spread disinformation and attack public figures. He warned that many of these activities are linked to illicit financial sources.
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.
“If we continue to ignore this growing problem, we are failing the people we have sworn to protect,” he stressed.