Two lawmakers are hopeful that a measure regulating the use of social media to fight the spread of fake news would get passed in the next Congress.

House Assistant Majority Leader Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun says there are ongoing hearings in Congress that are focused on crafting safeguards against fake news, including penalties for those who spread false information.

"Kaya nga meron na tayong binuo sa Kongreso upang siguraduhin na makapaglabas ng batas upang labanan ang mga fake news, bigyan ng parusa yung mga nagpapakalat nito at siguraduhin na mahinto yung ganitong klaseng maling gawain (That's why we are doing something in the Congress to ensure that we will eventually soon come up with a law against fake news, penalize those who spread it and stop this kind of activity),” he said Friday, March 14.

He says the House tri-committee (tri-com) is now finalizing its proposed bill on outlawing fake news.

Meanwhile, House Assistant Majority Leader Manila 1st district Rep. Ernix Dionisio Jr. stressed the need to pass a measure against fake news as he warned that the unabated spread of disinformation was dangerous to the country.

“Ako, my opinion sa fake news, talagang salot ‘yan, sa totoo lang, ‘yung mga nagpe-peddle at nagpo-propagate ng fake news. Ngayon nakangiti sila, nagpapakalat sila ng fake news (In my opinion, those who spread and propagate fake news are really a plague. They are happy in doing it). But at some point in their lives, if not them, their family members, tatamaan at tatamaan din ng fake news (will be victimized by fake news),” he said.

Dionisio underscored the importance of passing a law to stop the rampant spread of misinformation online while ensuring that media freedom and responsible journalism are not affected.

“Congress is really doing its part night and day para lang makagawa talaga ng (just to come up with) proper laws and proper sanctions sa mga taong nagpe-peddle ng (against those who peddle) fake news,” he said.

However, given the limited session days remaining in the 19th Congress, Dionisio said the bill may be taken up in the next Congress.

"We cannot say for certain na maikli na kasi ‘yung remaining session days, but one thing I can definitely say, masyadong malaki ang clamor at support ng mga House members at ng taumbayan (there is a big clamor and support from House members and the people) against fake news,” he said.

He says that if the measure does not pass in the current Congress, there is a high likelihood that it will be among the first bills to be approved in the 20th Congress.

“So regardless if it will be passed in the 19th Congress or the first part of the 20th Congress, it is important na mapapasa na rin siya sa lalong madaling panahon,” Dionisio said.