House leaders have called for a thorough investigation in the next Tri Comm hearing into alleged Chinese-backed disinformation campaigns on social media, particularly their links to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute and political propaganda benefiting certain individuals in the country.
1Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez underscored the urgent need to address how paid social media personalities and influencers amplify these narratives, warning that foreign entities should not be allowed to buy influence and distort public perception.
House assistant majority leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized the gravity of this disinformation network, particularly as the nation approaches the 2025 elections.
“We need to regulate this dissemination of mal-information, disinformation,” Adiong said in a press release from the Office of the Speaker, pointing out that propaganda-driven falsehoods erode democracy and undermine national security.
The Tri Comm of the House of Representatives, which is leading the probe, has reportedly discovered how disinformation networks actively manipulate online discourse to mislead the public.
With mounting concerns over foreign interference in online discourse, lawmakers are now exploring stronger regulations to hold those involved accountable.
Gutierrez argued that while freedom of speech must be protected, it is not absolute, especially when false narratives endanger the country. “We have to be accountable for our words.” ||
