FAKE news peddlers should face the consequences of their actions, especially when their falsehoods endanger lives and exploit ordinary people who have no means to defend themselves.

This is according to House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, following the arrest of two individuals behind a viral misinformation campaign in Cebu.

Ortega said the legal system should be allowed to work in cases like this.

“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,” Ortega said.

Ortega was reacting to reports that two suspects are now facing charges for allegedly using footage of the Sinulog Festival and falsely presenting it as a prayer rally for former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The manipulated content was widely circulated online and flagged by authorities as fake news.

“Sabi ko nga po hindi pu-puedeng 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,” Ortega said.

“So dapat ipakita natin na ‘yung justice system natin gumagana sa part na ‘yun,” he said.

As one of the key members of the House Tri-Comm tackling disinformation, Ortega said the panel will continue its investigation this Tuesday 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, may be invited to share their insights and experiences.

“Iyung mga may experience po at saka nabiktima po ng fake news. Pero, I’m not sure kung ilan po yung nag-confirm. But again, maganda ‘yung topics, yung mga na-open up noong huling hearing natin,” he said.

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

“Actually sa provincial level po, ngayong election, grabe. Grabe po ang fake news,” he said.

Ortega also warned that social media’s influence, while powerful, can be dangerously destructive when used irresponsibly.

“Nakita po natin kung gaano ka-destructive at saka ka-powerful ‘yung social media at saka yung paglaganap din po ng fake news,” he noted.

But Ortega emphasized that any proposed legislation must carefully balance regulation with the protection of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

“Gusto po natin kung meron man tayong gagawin na batas eh, medyo sensitive po dun sa part ng freedom of speech. At sisiguraduhin po natin na hindi po maaapektuhan yun,” he stated.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas