THE House Tri-Comm is set to hold its second hearing tomorrow as it ramps up its investigation into the growing threat of disinformation and fake news online.

The inquiry follows the issuance of show cause orders (SCOs) to a number of social media personalities and vloggers who failed to appear during the first hearing on February 4.

The Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information have warned that non-compliance with the SCOs could result in stronger legal action, including subpoenas and contempt charges.

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, the overall chair of the Tri-Comm, underscored the importance of holding digital influencers accountable for their role in spreading misleading content.

“We are not suppressing free speech. We are investigating whether social media is being used to mislead the public, undermine institutions, or facilitate foreign disinformation,” Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said.

Among those who were issued SCOs are Atty. Glenn Chong, former Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) chief-turned-social media commentator Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Krizette Laureta Chu, Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot, Mark Anthony Lopez, Lorraine Marie Tablang Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Almendras Çeliz, Mary Catherine Binag, Elizabeth Joie Cruz, Elmer Jugalbot, Ernesto Abines Jr., Ethel Pineda Garcia, George Ahmed Paglinawan, Mary Jean Quiambao Reyes, Richard Tesoro Mata, Suzanne Batalla, Vivian Zapata Rodriguez, Aeron Pena, Alex Destor, Alven L. Montero, Claire Eden Contreras, Claro Ganac, Darwin Salceda, Jeffrey G. Cruz, Jonathan Morales, Julius Melanosi Maui, Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan, Manuel Mata Jr., and others.
Several individuals have responded via email, including Cruz-Angeles, Cruz, Lopez, Batalla, Pineda, and Chuz.

The Tri-Comm has indicated that further action may be taken against those who fail to comply.

To broaden the scope of the probe, the Tri-Comm has summoned representatives from government agencies, major social media platforms, legal experts, and media organizations.

Government officials expected to testify include Anti-Money Laundering Council Chairperson Eli Remolona Jr., Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, and Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Executives from ByteDance (TikTok), Google Philippines, and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) have also been invited to provide insight into their handling of misinformation.

Legal and media professionals, including UP College of Law Professor Joan De Venecia-Fabul, representatives from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, VERA Files President Ellen Tordesillas, and other media entities, are also expected to present their views on potential regulatory measures.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas