House invites 40 social media influencers

The House of Representatives has invited at least 40 social media personalities as resource persons for its joint inquiry on the spread of fake news and disinformation.

House tripartite committee head Rep. Dan Fernandez of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on Sunday said that the first public hearing of the panel on Tuesday would hopefully see the participation of the 40 invited resource persons.

The tripartite committee is made up of the House committees on public order and safety, on public information, as well as on information and communications technology.

According to Fernandez, who chairs the public order and safety panel, the inquiry would look into how disinformation spreads online, its impact on public perception and national security, and the measures needed to combat it.

He stressed the need to protect Filipinos from false information intended to mislead and divide them, pointing out, “Filipinos are entitled to the truth.”

The lawmaker said that the invited social media personalities are known for their influence in the platforms where they engage in political discourse, news analysis, and commentary.

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Among invited resource persons are: Malou Tiquia, Jose Yumang Sonza, Krizette Chu, Mark Anthony Lopez, Allan Troy Sasot, MJ Reyes, Vivian Rodriguez, Ethel Pineda, Lorraine Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Celiz, Lord Byron Cristobal (Banat By), Alex Destor (Tio Moreno), Aaron Peña (Old School Pinoy), Glen Chong, Manuel Mata Jr. (Kokolokoy), Elizabeth Joie Cruz (Joie De Vivre). Claro Ganac, Claire Eden Contreras (Maharlika Boldyakera), Jonathan Morales, Cyrus Preglo (Optics Politics), and Maricar Serrano.

Also invited were: Ernesto Abines Jr. (Jun Abines), lawyer Trixie Cruz Angeles, Julius Melanosi Maui (Maui Spencer), Darwin Salceda (Boss Dada TV), Elmer Jugalbot (Eb Jugalbot), Cathy Binag, MJ Mondejar, Suzanne Batalla (IamShanwein), Joe Smith Medina (Political Witch Boy), Jeffrey Cruz (JCCO/ JJ Cruz), Alven Montero, Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan (Mr Realtalker), Edwin Jamora (Reyna Elena), Ma Florinda Espenilla-Duque (Pebbles Duque), Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata (Dr. Richard and Erika Mata), Ahmed Paglinawan (Luminous by Trixie & Ahmed), Ryan Lingo, lawyer Enzo Recto (Atty. Ricky Tomotorgo) and Ross Flores Del Rosario (Wazzup Philippines).