House of Representatives (MANILA BULLETIN)

A who's who of social media commentors and personalities have been invited as resource persons to the first hearing of the House tri-committee (tri-comm) in its investigation on the spread of fake news and disinformation in the country.

The Committees on Public Order and Safety, Public Information, and Information and Communications Technology comprise the tri-comm, which will hold its first proper hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez, overall chairman of the tri-comm, stressed that the hearings will examine how disinformation spreads online, its impact on public perception and national security, and the measures needed to combat it.

A pre-probe briefing was held last week.

The 40 invited resource persons are known for their influence on social media platforms, where they engage in political discourse, news analysis, and online commentary. 

The list includes 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, and Ernesto S. Abines Jr. (Jun Abines).

Also invited were 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), and Ross Flores Del Rosario (Wazzup Philippines).

The hearing will also feature representatives from Google, Meta (Facebook), and ByteDance (TikTok), as well as officials from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and the Department of Justice, who are expected to discuss regulatory challenges and enforcement mechanisms against online disinformation.

Fernandez says 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 added that the House will not tolerate deliberate misinformation campaigns that exploit digital platforms for political or financial gain.

Fernandez emphasized the need to protect Filipinos from false information intended to mislead and divide.

“Ang mga Pilipino ay may karapatan sa katotohanan. Dapat protektahan natin ang ating mga kababayan laban sa maling impormasyong nagdudulot ng takot at pagkakawatak-watak sa ating lipunan,” the veteran congressman said.

(Filipinos have the right to the truth. We must protect our countrymen from false information that sow fear, confusion, and division in our nation.)

“Hindi natin hahayaang gamitin ang social media upang linlangin ang ating mga kababayan. Panahon na upang maipatupad ang mas mahigpit na batas upang labanan ang fake news at disinformation,” he said.

(We will not allow the use of social media in deceiving the public. It's high time that we implement the law more strictly in the fight against fake news and disinformation.)

House members are expected to explore measures that will strengthen platform accountability, impose penalties for repeat offenders, and improve digital literacy programs to help Filipinos critically evaluate online content.

The hearing will be livestreamed for public viewing, with lawmakers hoping it will spark a national conversation on responsible online discourse and the role of social media in shaping public perception.