One of the lawmakers investigating the spread of online misinformation in the country believes that fake news peddlers must face the consequences of their actions.

House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V said Monday, April 7, that fake news peddlers should be held responsible, especially when their falsehoods endanger lives and exploit ordinary people who have no means to defend themselves.

Ortega's remark came after two individuals were charged for allegedly using footage of the Sinulog Festival and falsely presenting it as a prayer rally for former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

His call was also made a day prior to the third House tri-committee (tri-comm) hearing on the spread of fake news where several individuals flagged for spreading misinformation were questioned.

"Meron naman po tayong mga batas tungkol diyan eh, so kung meron po talagang magkakaso or magsasampa eh they will have to suffer po ng mga consequence mga pinapalaganap nilang ganyan (We already have existing laws about it. So if someone will really file charges, then they will have to face the consequences)," Ortega said.

"Sabi ko nga po hindi pe-pwedeng maging natural nalang dito sa atin ang fake news kasi buhay po minsan ang nakataya na dito eh. Lalo na po yung mga common na tao na hindi naman po kayang lumaban at saka walang means (Like what I said, we cannot normalize fake news because sometimes people's lives are at stake, especially those who cannot fight back and do not have the means), he added.

Ortega said they must be brought before the country's justice system.

As one of the key members of the House tri-comm, Ortega said the panel will continue its investigation into how fake news spreads online and how to effectively legislate against it.

He said personalities, including celebrities who have been victims of fake news, were invited to share their insights and experiences.

Ortega also noted how fake news has become even more prevalent at the provincial level, especially during the current elections.

He said that social media's influence can be destructive when used irresponsibly.