EFFORTS to regulate social media and combat the spread of fake news are gaining momentum in Congress, with lawmakers confident that an anti-disinformation measure has a strong chance of passing in the 20th Congress.
House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales said 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 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,” he 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.
House Assistant Majority Leader Ernix Dionisio Jr. of Manila 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.
“So regardless if it will be passed in the 19th Congress or the first part of the 20th Congress, it is important na mapasa na rin siya sa lalong madaling panahon,” Dionisio said.
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.”
The lawmaker added that disinformation does not just distort facts but also affects people’s lives.
“Napakaganda ng sinabi ni Cong Ernix na salot nga ‘yung fake news dahil maraming naapektuhan, maraming nabibiktima, at higit sa lahat natatakpan kung ano yung higit na katotohanan,” Khonghun said.
Dionisio emphasized that due process should still be followed, ensuring that those accused of spreading fake news have the opportunity to defend themselves.
“This is a chance to defend yourself, to show your evidence, pieces of evidence, and the truth will prevail at the end,” he said.
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