By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – Senatorial bets of the administration slate Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas on Friday promised to push for penalties against fake news peddlers should they win a seat in the May 12 midterm elections.
At a press conference during their campaign sortie in vote-rich Cavite province, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III said an “anti-fake news” and “anti-fake content” law is one of the priority measures he plans to champion at the upper chamber.
“I’m ready for the bill to be filed,” he said. “If we make it back to the Senate, it’s one of the first bills that I will file – anti-fake news and anti-fake content and penalties for those who produce those fake news,” he said.
Senator Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, said he supports any initiative that “would ferret out the truth” and promote responsible journalism without diminishing freedom of expression and the press.
ACT-CIS Rep. and former social welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo agreed that it is high time that a law combatting fake news and fake content must be passed.
“We have to have a law otherwise you, me, all of us magiging biktima ng fake news na ‘yan, fake content (we could fall victim to fake news and fake content),” he said.
Penalties, he said, must cover even those who simply share fake news or content.
“Sang-ayon ako (na) dapat isang malala at mabigat na parusa (ang ibigay sa) mga nagpapakalat ng mga fake news at fake content (I am for heavier punishment for those who spread fake news),” he added.
“Alam mo nang fake content, minsan hindi mo kilala ise-share mo lang, ang reason mo ay shinare ko lang naman. It is your responsibility to check and double-check (If you already know that the content is fake, it is your responsibility to check and double-check).”
On top of legislation, former interior secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay both sought to strengthen the capabilities of law enforcers and local government units.
“If ever talagang dapat pondohan ito para ‘yong response hindi lamang sa Crame, hanggang doon sa pinakababa (we need to fund the response not only in Crame but also down to the grassroots),” Abalos said.
“Actually, ginagawa na nila ‘yan, inu-unti-unti pero ang hirap biglain lahat ito. It should be a continued development program na pwedeng pondohan ng husto (They are already doing that but it should be a continuing development program with funding).”
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz earlier called on Congress to pass laws curbing the spread of fake news by introducing internationally accepted policies and standards for content moderation on social media. (PNA)
