MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives tri-committee aims to create a policy to combat the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation.

In its first hearing, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the hearing is not meant to violate freedom of speech, stressing that “dapat mayroon tayong code of conduct, mayroon tayong ethics sa paggamit ng social media.”

He explained that vloggers were invited so they could share their insights on the matter. Barbers added, “Kaya huwag kayong magdahilan na hindi kayo pupunta rito dahil ‘di kayo naniniwala sa layunin ng imbestigasyon na ito. We want to craft a policy, a remedial legislation so that there will be a discipline and code of ethics in the practice and use of our social platform, particularly on the issue of fake news.”

Only three of the 42 social media personalities invited appeared before the committees on public order, public information, and information and communications technology—namely, vlogger Marc Gamboa, lawyer Ricky Tomotorgo, and Publicus Asia founder Malou Tiquia.

House Joint Panel chair Santa Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez said those who did not attend the hearing sent excuse letters arguing that the hearing violated their freedom of speech and was unconstitutional. However, the House tri-committee refused to accept the excuse letters and demanded that they explain their failure to participate in the hearing.

Vice Chair of the ICT committee, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, said that lawmakers must establish a framework that safeguards the integrity of information without infringing on free speech.

Meanwhile, former spokesperson Harry Roque claimed that the hearing was meant to target former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Stating that those invited by the tri-committee cannot expect fairness, Roque said, “These influencers have been called and prejudged during the privilege speech of Rep. Barbers as paid trolls and malicious vloggers.”

“There is no other remedy but to find relief with the Supreme Court. We are bringing the fight where it should rightfully be,” Roque added.

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