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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senators back NBI's probe vs fake news peddlers

Senators back NBI's probe vs fake news peddlers

Published Mar 24, 2025 11:19 am

Some senators have expressed support for the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) impending probe of vloggers who spread fake news which is among the cybercrimes that the bureau is looking into.

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Senate of the Philippines

In a statement on Monday, March 24, Senator Grace Poe said that the full enforcement of the Anti-Cybercrime Law is long overdue.

"Inaasahan natin ang pinaigting at patas na imbestigasyon ng NBI dito (We expect a thorough and fair investigation by the NBI regarding this matter)," she said.

While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, Poe stated that it's not absolute and can be limited to protect public order, morality, national security, and the rights of others, adding that the law does not protect lies.

She explained that in recent decisions, the Supreme Court pointed out that the exercise of our freedom of expression must not violate our democracy and the authority of our institutions. The Court also cautioned the public on the real-world harm caused by misinformation and disinformation.

"Fake news has the power to destroy livelihoods, ruin reputations, tear families apart, and sow division in a nation. When falsehoods are deliberately spread, they erode public trust and distort democratic discourse," she said.

Based on a March 2025 Social Weather Station (SWS) Survey, 65% of Filipinos find it difficult to distinguish real news from fake information.

Poe said that identifying those who are bankrolling these activities is essential—not as an act of censorship, but as a step toward protecting the public from calculated deception.

At the same time, our approach must be balanced—grounded in law, due process, and respect for the rights of all.

Senator Joel Villanueva said that they support any initiative that will end the operations of peddlers of fake news and disinformation.

"I have also been the subject of many fake news and malicious disinformation, both in the past and more recently and while we report these to the social media platforms, this is only a stop gap measure to this urgent problem," he said.

"It is time that these individuals are not only exposed but be brought to justice," he added.

Villanueva also stated that the country currently has the Cybercrime Prevention Act but this in itself is not enough to stop the spread of fake news that endangers the lives of people, damages public trust in our institutions, and compromises our future as a nation and as a democracy.

He stressed the need to amend the law by adding stiffer penalties to put an end to this once and for all.

According to NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago, under investigation are more than 20 vloggers.

Related Tags

Fake news FAKE NEWS PEDDLERS Senator Joel Villanueva Senator Grace Poe National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
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