MISINFORMATION and “fake news” will intensify once again in social media, as a member of the Young Guns of the House of Representatives yesterday warned the Filipino public to be more vigilant and critical when bombarded by trolls with disinformation.

House Deputy Majority Leader PBA Party-list Reparesentative Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles urged everyone to be careful when consuming information online, as she noted a resurgence fake news peddled by so-called internet “influencers” and buoyed by troll farms all over social media.

Nograles said these troll farms seem to be targeting those who have raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under Vice President Sara Duterte, as well as those who helped the Quad Comm ferret out the truth on Philippine offshore and gaming operators (POGOs), EJKs, and illegal drug syndicates.

The strategy, she said, is to enlist “influencers” to propagate misinformation and disinformation and have trolls comment that they believe the lies and spread this to gain traction in social media.

Nograles stressed that many lawmakers, including herself and members of the Young Guns of Congress, who have been vocal in scrutinizing the use of funds by these government offices are now the subjects of orchestrated troll attacks and baseless allegations.

She pointed out that this is a coordinated effort to discredit those who are holding public officials accountable.

“Matagal na akong biktima ng fake news at patuloy na binibiktima. Nakakalungkot na ang mga opisyal na nagtatanong at tumutulong sa ating bayan ay ginagawan ng kwento at sinisiraan. Lahat ng ito ay pawang fake news,” Nograles stated.

She emphasized the importance of distinguishing fact from fiction, noting that fake news has the potential to mislead the public and damage the credibility of well-meaning officials.

“Huwag po tayong basta maniniwala sa mga nakikita natin online. Dapat natin alamin ang katotohanan at suriin nang mabuti ang mga impormasyon na ating natatanggap,” Nograles said.

Several lawmakers who have been critical of the OVP and DepEd, as well as those vocal in Quad Comm hearings, have also fallen victim to relentless trolling campaigns.

Among these are Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo and Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante, all of whom have faced baseless allegations online.

Nograles said these attacks are part of a wider effort to shift the conversation away from the critical issues at hand.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas