MANILA — House lawmakers have issued show cause orders to prominent social media influencers and vloggers after the majority of those invited to a congressional inquiry on disinformation failed to attend. 

The hearing, held on February 4 by the House Tri-Committee, sought to address the spread of false information on social media and discuss proposals for regulations and a code of ethics for content creators. However, only three of the 40 invited personalities appeared, with many citing concerns over freedom of speech as their reason for refusing to participate. 

Among those present was political strategist Malou Tiquia, who has faced scrutiny for previously claiming that the ₱51 billion requested by Rep. Paolo Duterte between 2020 and 2022 was not included in the General Appropriations Acts (GAA)—a claim debunked by fact-checkers. 

Lawmakers reviewed excuse letters from the absent influencers but deemed them invalid. The show cause orders now require the individuals to explain their absence and justify why they should not face penalties. Those summoned include Elizabeth Joie Cruz (Joie De Vivre), Ernesto Abines Jr. (Jun Abines), Mark Anthony Lopez, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Richard Mata, Aaron Peña (Old School Pinoy), and Krizette Lauretta Chu. 

Rep. Joseph “Caraps” Paduano has also asked the House legal department to explore filing a disbarment case against Cruz-Angeles, who now works as a social media strategist. 

Some of those summoned have denied allegations of spreading disinformation or receiving funding from offshore entities, including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). However, several have been flagged by fact-checking organizations for sharing false or misleading claims. 

A recent controversy involved claims of blank items in the 2025 GAA, circulated by Ernesto Abines and others. The claims were based on information attributed to Rep. Rodrigo Duterte and Rep. Isidro Ungab but were later disproven. House Appropriations Chair Stella Quimbo clarified that while placeholders appeared in a bicameral committee report for technical computations, no such blanks were included in the final signed budget. 

The inquiry, led by the Committees on Public Order and Safety, Public Information, and Information and Communications Technology, aims to address the growing influence of disinformation on public discourse and develop ethical standards for online platforms. 

“This inquiry seeks to illuminate the dynamics at play between social media, fake news, and the public,” said Rep. Johnny Pimentel, vice chair of the ICT committee. 

However, the refusal of most invitees to attend highlights resistance to government oversight of digital spaces, with many citing freedom of speech. 

Many of the absent influencers are vocal supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte, raising further questions about their role in shaping narratives online. 

📷 House of Representatives of the Philippines