HOW TO FIGHT FAKE NEWS
IN a sectoral meeting in Malacañang on DICT’s programs and projects, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday recognized the need to have a strong mechanism to combat misinformation and disinformation, in light of rapidly evolving digital technologies.
President Marcos acknowledged that regulating online platforms would be challenging, considering that any proposed regulation will be weighed against the right to freedom of expression.
The President expressed support to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)’s anti-fake news campaign. However, he also emphasized that any measure should be clear as to what is being regulated and how the regulation will be undertaken without infringing on this fundamental right.
DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda echoed the President’s concerns, stressing the importance of a firm national position to counter online falsehoods. He also highlighted that the right to free expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities and may be subject to certain restrictions under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Aguda was optimistic the local media industry will back the administration’s initiative, as journalists play a vital role in promoting truth in the digital landscape.
For his part, PCO Secretary Jay C. Ruiz assured President Marcos that the PCO has developed an operational framework to identify websites and online content that disseminate false information.
The PCO committed to continue coordinating with the CICC in order to speed up actions against fake news proliferation on various platforms.
President Marcos expressed hope that the government can make meaningful progress in addressing the issue, noting the fight against disinformation is a continuous and evolving challenge. PCO
