By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – A House leader on Tuesday called for legislation to regulate social media in a bid to curb the spread of fake news and harmful content while ensuring free speech remains protected.
During a hearing led by the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said improved transparency and accountability mechanisms must be put in place for social media platforms.
“To effectively address and promote digital safety, a multi-stakeholder approach must be carried out,” Gonzales, sponsor of House Resolution No. 286, said.
“Social media companies, cyber security experts, and legal professionals must come together to craft an effective and doable legislation. By working together, we can ensure a safer digital landscape while preserving democratic values,” he added.
The resolution, adopted by the House in December 2024, proposes enhanced content moderation, improved reporting systems, and safeguards against algorithm misuse.
It also calls for prioritizing digital literacy to help Filipinos discern credible information.
Gonzales said the resolution also calls for the review of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, “to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies and harmful online content.”
“There is an overwhelming need to address harmful content, and at the same time, uphold constitutional freedoms, particularly the freedom of speech and expression, which are considered cornerstones of our democracy,” he said.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, for his part, proposed a regulatory framework similar to the ethical standards upheld by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for broadcast media.
“Our goal is to develop a code of conduct for content creators, ensuring accountability and ethical responsibility in this rapidly evolving digital space,” Barbers said during the hearing.
Barbers added the purpose of the hearing was not to curtail free speech but to establish accountability in the digital space.
“We are gathered here today not to silence voices, suppress free speech or curtail the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Instead, we are here to draw the line between responsible discourse and the deliberate, systematic abuse of digital platforms to spread lies, destroy reputations, and manipulate public perception,” he said.
Barbers warned that if left unchecked, disinformation could further erode trust in government institutions and undermine democracy.
“If we continue to ignore this growing problem, we are failing the people we have sworn to protect,” he said.
Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, meanwhile, highlighted the dangers posed by disinformation, particularly citing its impact on public health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Ang masamang epekto ng disinformation at misinformation ay lalong umalingawngaw sa gitna ng isang global crisis sa ating kalusugan nung panahon ng Covid-19 pandemic (The harmful effects of disinformation and misinformation were amplified during the global health crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic),” Fernandez said.
He also pointed to the alarming rise in cybercrimes, which became more prevalent due to social media.
“Sino rito ang nabiktima ng scam o may kilalang nabiktima ng scam? Malamang lahat din tayo. Dahil sa social media, ang cybercrimes ngayon ay maituturing na natin na mas madalas pang mangyari sa buhay ng isang karaniwang tao kesa sa mga common crimes (Who here has been scammed or knows someone who has been scammed? Most of us, likely. Because of social media, cybercrimes are now more frequent in everyday life than common crimes),” he said.
Fernandez further underscored the psychological impact of cyberbullying, especially on minors.
“Our children start to experience self-hate and resort to self-harm. Bagamat sinusubukan na matugunan ang mga insidente ng cyberbullying, ito pa rin ay maaaring maging sanhi ng depression, suicidal thoughts, at iba pang mga long-term negative effects sa ating mental health (Although efforts are being made to address cyberbullying, it can still lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, and other long-term negative effects on mental health),” he said. (PNA)
