Okay of anti-fake news law assured
LAWMAKERS have assured public that anti-fake news law will be passed in the 20th Congress.
House Assistant Majority Leader Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun and Manila Rep. Ernix Dionisio said there are efforts to regulate social media and curb the spread of fake news in the Congress.
The ongoing hearings in Congress are focused on crafting safeguards against fake news, including penalties for those who spread false information.
“Well kaya nga nagkakaroon tayo ng mga hearing dahil sa patungkol sa paglalagay ng safeguard laban sa fake news. Kaya nga meron na tayong binuo sa Kongreso upang siguraduhin na makapaglabas ng batas upang labanan ang mga fake news, bigyan ng parusa yung mga nagpapakalat nito at siguraduhin na mahinto yung ganitong klaseng maling gawain,” Khonghun said.
Khonghun also noted that the House Tri-Committee (Tri-Comm) is already finalizing its proposed bill on fake news regulation.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala dahil malapit na rin matapos yung hearing natin ng Tri-Comm pagdating sa pagpapabalangkas sa batas regarding sa pagpapakalat ng fake news,” he added.
Dionisio echoed Khonghun’s concerns, warning that the unchecked spread of disinformation is dangerous to the country.
“Ako, my opinion sa fake news, talagang salot ‘yan, sa totoo lang, ‘yung mga nagpe-peddle at nagpo-propagate ng fake news. Ngayon nakangiti sila, nagpapakalat sila ng fake news. But at some point in their lives, if not them, their family members, tatamaan at tatamaan din ng fake news,” he said.
Dionisio underscored the importance of passing a law to stop the rampant spread of misinformation online while ensuring that media freedom and responsible journalism are not affected.
“Congress is really doing its part night and day para lang makagawa talaga ng proper laws and proper sanctions sa mga taong nagpe-peddle ng fake news,” he said.
However, given the limited session days remaining in the 19th Congress, Dionisio said the bill may be taken up in the next Congress.
“We cannot say for certain na maikli na kasi ‘yung remaining session days, but one thing I can definitely say, masyadong malaki ang clamor at support ng mga House members at ng taongbayan against fake news,” he said.
He noted that if the measure does not pass in the current Congress, there is a high likelihood that it will be among the first bills to be approved in the 20th Congress.
Khonghun agreed, saying: “Well we’re hoping na dapat mapabilis ‘yung proseso at magkaroon ng batas na sumasaklaw lalong-lalo na sa social media at saka sa pagpapakalat ng fake news.”
