Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, March 26 welcomed the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) plan to seek the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization 's (Interpol) in order to arrest vloggers peddling false reports from abroad.
"The long arm of the law now extends beyond our borders," Gatchalian said in a statement.
"I fully support the NBI’s move to tap Interpol in going after fake news peddlers abroad. They should be brought back to the Philippines and face the full force of the law here," he stressed.
Gatchalian said those who are used to spreading fake news should now think twice.
"Wala na kayong pagtataguan dahil tutugisin na kayo ng mga otoridad (You will have nowhere to hide because the authorities are now after you)," he said.
"If you think you can evade accountability by operating from overseas, think again," he warned.
The senator acknowledged that fake news has real consequences and can destroy reputations, manipulate public opinion, and threaten national security.
"This is why we need a relentless crackdown on those who profit from deception and manipulation," he stressed.