Lawmakers see groundswell for antifake news law
A measure against disinformation is likely to pass in the 20th Congress, House lawmakers said.
In a news conference early this week, House Assistant Majority Leaders Jay Khonghun (Zambales) and Ernix Dionisio (Manila) said this was exactly why the lower chamber was holding an inquiry into fake news through the so-called tricommittee formed by the panels on public order and safety, information and communications technology and public information.
Khonghun added the tricommittee was now finalizing a proposed bill on disinformation regulation, though it is unlikely to pass in the 19th Congress because of lack of time.
“That’s why we’ve formed something in Congress to ensure we can pass a law to fight fake news, give penalties to those who spread it and ensure this kind of wrong action is stopped,” Khonghun said.
“While the remaining session days are short, but one thing I can definitely say, there’s a very big clamor and support from House members and the public against fake news,” Dionisio said.
“So regardless if it will be passed in the 19th Congress or the first part of the 20th Congress, it is important that it be passed as soon as possible,” Dionisio added.
‘Kidnapped’ on warrant
Their sentiments follow the fire hose of falsehoods now bombarding social media over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and turnover to the International Criminal Court early this week, to face charges of crimes against humanity.
Some such claims include that Duterte was “kidnapped” despite evidence that he was presented with a warrant and read his rights; that the government deliberately ignored a temporary restraining order that would have halted his flight to The Hague, and that President Marcos was going to declare martial law and postpone the May 12 elections.
On the latter, Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin debunked the claim as a “big fake news,” assuring the public that the May 12 elections would push through since Mr. Marcos himself was campaigning for his senatorial candidates.
“If you’re under martial law, it’s like all of what [Mr. Marcos] has done [for the country], including from the previous administration, would be thrown away. So this is one big fake news,” Garin said.
