Antipolo City 2nd Rep. Romeo Acop (Contributed photo)

Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop said that Meta, formerly Facebook; and other social media platforms should show a level of responsibility for fake news and posts that have harmful content in them.

Acop had this to say Tuesday, April 8 during the resumption of the House tri-committee's (tri-comm) hearing on disinformation and fake news online.

The veteran congressman, known for his no-nonsense nature, directed these remarks toward Meta’s Director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia Dr. Rafael Frankel.

“The posting of false information and misleading news, the content that harms not only the subjects of the questionable post but also the public trust in state institutions, should not be tolerated, would you agree with that?” Acop asked the resource person. 

“Could I say that you recognize that Meta bears some responsibility for what is shared and posted in Facebook or Instagram?...Yes or no? It is a very simple question,” he further said.

But Frankel couldn't give a one-word response; he said that as far as Meta was concerned regarding the posting of harmful content, it was the person posting the fake news or spreading harmful content who should be held responsible for his or her post.

He says Meta or Facebook is trying to balance the right of the account holder to free expression and the need to make social media a free digital space.

“Mr. Chairman, I think Mr. Frankel is evading the answer to my question,” the lawmaker from Antipolo said.

“Any Tom, Dick and Harry will say that it is answerable by yes or no,” Acop added.

He said he understood from the Meta representative’s assertion that the account holder was solely responsible or liable for the consequences of his or her posts.

“It seems from our discussion that social media platforms are making some efforts to curb the spread of fake news in this country. However, I disagree with the impression that acting merely as hosts of user-generated content exempts these platforms from any liability for the harmful content they allow to be exhibited,” noted Acop.

"As part of our legislative duties, I think it may be time to revisit the current legal framework regarding these social media platforms if only to incentivize them to further crack down on these types of illegal posts,” he added.

Early in the hearing, Acop manifested that the absence of a clearly accountable and empowered Meta entity in the Philippines was a crucial detail.

“And I hope the Meta people will agree with that. As we have heard, Facebook Philippines does not control the platform, nor does it handle content regulation and policy enforcement. This makes it difficult for Filipinos to seek timely and effective recourse when harm occurs online,” he said.

“That is why we are exploring the idea of requiring accreditation or registration for social media platforms operating in this country to ensure that there is a readily accessible responsible point of contact that understands and complies with our laws,” Acop said.

“It is a matter of accountability, Mr. Chair, not just for regulation but for the protection of the Filipino people,” he added. 

Crisis proportions 

Tuesday's hearing was held amid what House members have described as a surge in postings of fake or dubious content online. Many of these posts are even targeted at specific persons.

Surigao del Sur 2nd Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who presided over the hearing, said that fake news on social media have reached "crisis proportions" and now threaten the country’s democratic foundation.

“We will continue our exploration of the multi-dimensional aspects of this crisis, examining the roles of social media platforms, the impact of algorithmic amplification, and the psychological mechanisms that make individuals susceptible to false information,” said Pimentel.

He noted that while digital platforms have enabled greater access to information, they have also created an environment where harmful narratives can flourish.

“The rapid evolution of technology and the rise of digital communication platforms have transformed the way we consume information. While these advancements have brought numerous benefits, they have also facilitated the spread of false narratives, manipulated truths, and an increasingly polarized public discourse,” he said.

Pimentel warned that these developments are not only damaging to individuals but also to the institutions that support Philippine democracy.

“Disinformation campaigns and the proliferation of fake news not only mislead citizens, but they also undermine trust in our institutions, weaponize public opinion, and threaten the very foundations of our democratic processes,” he added.