Philippine House Leader Advocates for Social Media Regulation to Combat Fake News

In a recent session in Manila, a senior official from the House of Representatives urged for new laws to manage social media platforms, aiming to reduce the spread of false information and harmful content while safeguarding free speech. During a joint hearing by the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability from social media companies. Gonzales, who introduced House Resolution No. 286, stressed the importance of a collaborative effort involving social media firms, cybersecurity experts, and legal professionals to develop effective legislation. The resolution, which was passed in December 2024, suggests improvements in content moderation, reporting mechanisms, and protections against the misuse of algorithms. It also advocates for increased digital literacy to help the public identify reliable information. Gonzales highlighted the necessity to update the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to tackle new technological challenges and harmful online content, all while upholding constitutional rights to free speech and expression. Representative Robert Ace Barbers from Surigao del Norte proposed a regulatory framework akin to the ethical standards set by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas for broadcast media, aiming to establish a code of conduct for digital content creators. Barbers clarified that the intent of the hearing was not to restrict free speech but to ensure accountability in the digital realm. He warned that unchecked disinformation could undermine trust in government and democracy. Representative Dan Fernandez from Laguna pointed out the severe consequences of disinformation, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes facilitated by social media. Fernandez also addressed the psychological toll of cyberbullying on minors, noting its potential to cause depression, suicidal thoughts, and other long-term mental health issues.