The House of Representatives has invited at least 40 social media personalities to participate in an investigation into the spread of fake news and disinformation in the country, set to begin tomorrow, February 4.
Santa Rosa City, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, leading the tri-committee inquiry, will oversee the joint hearing of the House committees on public order and safety, public information, and information and communications technology.
Fernandez emphasized the inquiry’s goal of understanding how disinformation spreads online, its effects on public perception and national security, and the necessary measures to curb its impact.
"The Filipino people deserve the truth. We must protect them from false information meant to mislead and divide. Fake news fuels polarization and must be stopped," he stated.
Representatives from major tech companies, including Google, Meta (Facebook), and ByteDance (TikTok), will attend, alongside officials from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Lawmakers anticipate discussions on regulatory challenges, enforcement strategies, and existing legal frameworks against the surge of online disinformation.
Fernandez noted that the probe seeks to pinpoint flaws in current policies and suggest improvements to guarantee public access to accurate and reliable information.
"We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation campaigns that manipulate digital platforms for political or financial gain. Social media must not be used to deceive our people. It’s time to intensify our fight against fake news," he added.
The inquiry will explore stricter platform accountability, penalties for repeat offenders, and enhanced digital literacy programs to help Filipinos critically assess online content.
The hearing will be livestreamed to encourage national dialogue on responsible online discourse and social media’s influence on public opinion.
Among the 40 invited resource persons are political commentators, journalists, and online influencers actively engaged in political discussions and news analysis.
Notable invitees include Malou Tiquia, Krizette Lauretta Chu, Mark Anthony Lopez, Lorraine Marie Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Celiz, and others.
This initiative aligns with the House’s commitment to fostering a more informed and responsible digital landscape in the Philippines.
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