40 socmed users, platform reps invited to House fake news probe
House of Representatives plenary. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 40 social media personalities and representatives from various online platforms have been invited to the House of Representatives tri committee’s first hearing this Tuesday.
The panels on public order and safety; public information; and information and communications technology will look into the spread of fake news and disinformation nationwide.
In a statement released Sunday, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said the probe would tackle “how disinformation spreads online, its impact on public perception and national security, and the measures needed to combat it.”
Fernandez, who heads the committee on public order and safety, will preside over the hearing.
READ: Fake news, disinformation ‘machinery’ probe set at House
“Filipinos have the right to know the truth. We have to protect them from our fellow Filipinos who also spread fake news that spreads fear and division in our society,” Fernandez said in Filipino.
Below is the list of invited personalities who were known to showcase political discourse, news analysis, and online commentary in their respective content:
- Malou Tiquia
- Jose Yumang Sonza
- Krizette Lauretta Chu
- Mark Anthony Lopez
- Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot
- MJ Quiambao Reyes
- Vivian Zapata Rodriguez
- Ethel Pineda
- Lorraine Marie Tablang Badoy-Partosa
- Jeffrey Almendras Celiz
- Lord Byron Cristobal (Banat By)
- Alex Destor (Tio Moreno)
- Aaron Peña (Old School Pinoy)
- Glen Chong
- Manuel Mata Jr. (Kokolokoy)
- Elizabeth Joie Cruz (Joie De Vivre)
- Claro Ganac
- Claire Eden Contreras (Maharlika Boldyakera)
- Jonathan Morales
- Cyrus Preglo (Optics Politics)
- Maricar Serrano
- Ernesto S. Abines Jr. (Jun Abines)
- Atty. Trixie Cruz Angeles
- Julius Melanosi Maui (Maui Spencer)
- Darwin Salceda (Boss Dada TV)
- Elmer Jugalbot (Eb Jugalbot)
- Cathy Binag
- MJ Mondejar
- Suzanne Batalla (IamShanwein)
- Joe Smith Medina (Political Witch Boy)
- Jeffrey G. Cruz (JCCO / JJ Cruz)
- Alven L. Montero
- Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan (Mr Realtalker)
- Edwin Jamora (Reyna Elena)
- Ma Florinda Espenilla-Duque (Pebbles Duque)
- Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata (Dr. Richard and Erika Mata)
- Ahmed Paglinawan (Luminous by Trixie & Ahmed)
- Ryan Lingo
- Atty. Enzo Recto (Atty. Ricky Tomotorgo)
- Ross Flores Del Rosario (Wazzup Philippines)
It will also be attended by representatives from Google, Meta (Facebook), ByteDance (TikTok), and officials of the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and the Department of Justice.
According to Fernandez, the government agencies mentioned will talk about the regulatory challenges and enforcement mechanisms against online disinformation.
READ: DICT chided for failing to stop online scams, fake news
“The inquiry seeks to identify weaknesses in existing laws and policies governing digital platforms and to propose solutions to ensure the public has access to accurate and reliable information,” he said.
Before the tri comm’s first executive briefing, Fernandez revealed the panel aims to discuss the following issues:
- transparency of social media platforms in identifying and removing false information
- the enforcement of accountability measures against repeat offenders such as irresponsible vloggers and influencers
- the broader impact of disinformation on national security, particularly concerning the West Philippine Sea dispute.
The lawmaker also advised the public users to remain vigilant and critical of the information online.
