House Tri Committee Inquiry Aims to Protect, Not Curb, Free Speech, Says Barbers

Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers emphasized that the ongoing House Tri Committee (TriComm) investigation into the spread of fake news and harmful content on social media platforms is not designed to stifle freedom of speech. Speaking at the commencement of the panel’s second hearing, Barbers clarified that the hearings aim to uphold the constitutional right to free expression, not to suppress it. He stressed that the inquiry seeks to establish guidelines and best practices for managing information on social media, inspired by international standards. Barbers, who initiated the inquiry with a privilege speech and a resolution co-authored by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., highlighted the need for a policy framework to prevent the misuse of social media for spreading disinformation. He also warned content creators to be cautious with their posts, noting that laws exist to penalize the spread of falsehoods. Antipolo City Representative Romeo Acop, who chaired the hearing in place of Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, added that the inquiry’s goal is to ensure that any legislative proposals respect free speech while preventing censorship. The committee also plans to review existing laws like the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, enhance social media transparency, and propose public awareness campaigns to combat cybercrimes and protect digital safety. Acop mentioned that the committee is interested in Google’s framework for content creators and the Department of Justice’s stance on cyber-libel as a continuing crime.