loilo First District Representative Janette Garin is seeking a congressional inquiry into the rising incidents of fake news, online harassment, cyber threats, disinformation and other forms of digital abuse proliferating on social media and online platforms.
House Resolution No. 1000, filed by Garin, urged the House committees on public order and safety, information and communications technology, and public information to spearhead the inquiry.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed aims to strengthen the country’s legal framework against digital abuse while safeguarding constitutionally protected freedom of speech and legitimate media expression are not curtailed.
“Freedom of speech is fundamental in a democratic society, but it also carries responsibility. The purpose of this resolution is to protect the public from abuse without suppressing legitimate opinion and responsible journalism,” Garin said.
“The fight against fake news is not a fight against opinion. Our fight is against lies, intimidation, defamation, and the use of technology to deceive or destroy others,” she added.
Garin stressed that the growing number of people spreading fake news, online attacks, threats, and scams was no longer only damaging individual reputations, but “also eroding public trust in institutions and truth itself.”
According to the lawmaker, public officials, private individuals, ordinary citizens, and even media practitioners have increasingly become targets of cyberbullying, online harassment, doxxing, extortion and coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Garin said social media and other digital platforms should not be weaponized to spread falsehoods, intimidate individuals, or destroy reputations under the guise of free expression.
“The fight against fake news is not a fight against opinion. Our fight is against lies, intimidation, defamation, and the use of technology to deceive or destroy others.”IMT
