Acidre asks: Journalists can’t be irresponsible, but vloggers can?
Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre — HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has asked why there is a seeming leniency on how vloggers, bloggers, and social media personalities produce content, while journalists are held to high ethical standards.
In a statement on Wednesday, Acidre questioned the mindset of some sectors, as they believe that social media influencers can say anything without facing consequences.
According to Acidre, there should be no difference in terms of holding social media personalities and media workers accountable.
“It’s both upsetting and honestly quite alarming that some influencers and online personalities today feel like they can say whatever they want—no matter how offensive, harmful, or untrue—without facing any consequences,” he said.
“We don’t allow TV, radio, or newspapers to publish or air irresponsible and harmful content. So why are we tolerating the same kind of speech on social media, where it spreads even faster and reaches even more people?” he asked.
Acidre’s statements came a day after a heated debate at the hearing of the House tri-committee hearing where Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. questioned a blogger for calling him stupid.
Abante scolded another blogger, this time Elizabeth Joie Cruz, for badmouthing him.
This led to a lengthy discussion on whether cursing on social media, particularly for public officials, should be considered part of or beyond the tenets of free speech.
Abante was reminded by other bloggers, including Elijah San Fernando — a labor leader who cited Supreme Court decisions — that cursing public officials due to their work is allowed under free speech.
READ: Abante, socmed personalities argue if cursing part of freedom of speech
Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, however, noted that freedom of speech is not absolute, as it does not give people the right to violate other people’s rights.
Acidre’s view echoes sentiments made by other lawmakers, that while anyone can exercise their freedom of speech, it can have repercussions if it violates existing laws.
“They act as if they’re above basic decency, beyond civility, and free from the responsibilities that come with having a public voice,” he said.
“You can’t just exercise your right to free speech at the expense of someone else’s freedom to live with dignity, truth, and peace. As the saying goes, ‘your right ends where my freedom begins’,” he added.
The lawmaker also lamented that social media, instead of being a tool that connects people, has been used to divide and misinform the public.
“When influencers use their platform to spread lies, attack others, or stir hate, that’s not free speech. That’s abuse. And it’s hurting real people,” he added. “One of the biggest reasons for the spread of fake news and harmful content on social media is this mistaken belief that ‘freedom of speech’ means ‘you can say whatever you want, no matter what.’ That’s just not true.”
The tri-committee has been tasked to probe the spread of disinformation online after several resolutions were filed and privilege speeches about the matter were delivered.
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers was one of the lawmakers who delivered a privilege speech following rumors about him and the other chairpersons of the House’s quad committee, while they were investigating illegal activities in Philippine offshore gaming operators, the illegal drug trade, and extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration’s drug war.
During the March 21 hearing, Abante lashed out at some vloggers who insinuated that lawmakers are “dimwits,” firing back by saying that these social media personalities are “stupid” because they write without thinking.
READ: Abante calls some vloggers ‘stupid’: They write without thinking
Abante grilled vlogger MJ Quiambao-Reyes due to her claim that there were no extrajudicial killings that happened during the Duterte administration’s drug war. He also called her and other individuals “stupid.”
