The Philippine government’s intensified crackdown on “fake news” peddlers has taken on a new urgency, particularly in the charged atmosphere surrounding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
While officials maintain that the campaign predates the recent ICC developments, the timing has inevitably fueled speculation that the government is seeking to control the narrative.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is currently probing at least 20 individuals, many of whom are online personalities, for spreading disinformation.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago earlier revealed a multi-pronged approach, involving collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to combat the proliferation of false information, as reported by the Manila Standard.
“We have discussed how we can, once and for all, stop these fake news spreaders, vloggers who provide fake news, and creators who create content without regard for its accuracy,” Santiago emphasized.
Lawmakers said this determination stems from growing concern that the spread of falsehoods is not merely a collection of isolated incidents, but a potentially coordinated effort aimed at destabilizing public discourse.
The context of the ICC investigation adds a layer of complexity. Allegations of a potential arrest warrant for Duterte, regardless of their veracity, have ignited a firestorm of online activity.
Pro-Duterte vloggers and influencers, known for their vocal support of the former president, have become central figures in this information battleground. The government’s concern extends beyond domestic borders, with the NBI exploring legal avenues to hold overseas-based individuals accountable for their online activities.
“So, especially if the vlogger is a US citizen, how can we enforce our law on their citizens when that law doesn’t exist for them? We are looking at all angles. For example, they might fall under inciting sedition. That’s a crime in the US, and it’s a crime here,” Santiago clarified, highlighting the challenges of cross-border enforcement.
Simultaneously, the House of Representatives is taking its own stand against online disinformation. The House joint committee, composed of the Committees on Public Information, Public Order and Safety, and Information and Communications Technology, has issued subpoenas to prominent pro-Duterte vloggers who failed to attend hearings regarding fake news.
READ ALSO: ‘Grover’ is an AI model that can generate and combat fake news
House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Joseph Stephen Paduano has issued stark warnings, asserting that any attacks or insults against the committee post-hearing will result in contempt charges, the Manila Standard further reported.
This dual-pronged approach, involving both law enforcement and legislative action, underscores the government’s determination to combat the spread of misinformation. The official narrative centers on protecting public trust and ensuring accurate information dissemination, particularly in a time of heightened political sensitivity.
However, critics argue that the government’s actions could be interpreted as an attempt to stifle dissent and control the flow of information, particularly regarding the highly contentious ICC investigation. Concerns about freedom of speech and potential overreach have been raised, with some accusing the government of using the “fake news” label to silence critical voices.
The government maintains that its actions are necessary to protect the public from the dangers of disinformation, which it argues can incite violence, sow discord, and undermine democratic institutions.
The ongoing investigations and hearings will likely continue to fuel debate, as the Philippines navigates the complex intersection of freedom of speech, national security, and the pursuit of justice in the face of international scrutiny.
READ MORE INSIGHTS.
