The Philippines is now being divided as a nation because of the continued spread of fake news online, the country's chief communicator said on Friday, March 21.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Chief Jay Ruiz expressed sadness over this as he addressed the issue of online disinformation, misinformation, and fake news during the House tri-committee (tri-tri-comm) inquiry.

"Filipinos are being pitted against Filipinos," he said.

"What is happening to us right now is we are being polarized, being divided online," he added, as he compared the country's current condition to that of the United States (US).

The tri-comm hearing is part of the lawmakers' intensified efforts to fight the widespread disinformation crisis in the country.

Ruiz says that the neutralization of malicious online content "is the big fight" the nation should be waging.

"Lies, repeated a thousand times, become the truth. We have to fight lies with truth. The voice of truth should be louder than lies," Ruiz said.

Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel led Friday's hearing—the third one on the subject matter—and underscored the urgency of addressing the issue.

“Hindi na po biro ito dahil napakalaganap na ng mga fake news. Sagad na at walang pakundangan ang mga taong responsable sa pagpapakalat nito sa mga epekto sa taong kanilang pinupuntirya at pati na rin sa bansa (This is already a serious problem. Fake news is prevalent. Those who are responsible for spreading fake news are very inconsiderate, and they don't care about its effect on the people affected and on the country)," he said.

"No one is safe. Wala nang sinasanto (They do not respect anyone anymore)," he added.