The House of Representatives’ Tri Committee has issued show cause orders against the online political commentary influencers who skipped the first hearing on the disinformation or fake news inquiry.

Only three out of at least 40 social media personalities joined the Tuesday hearing. Others had sent letters to the Tri Comm providing reasons for their absence, a number of which were deemed invalid.

Consequently, Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante motioned to levy the show cause orders against them, criticizing their outspokenness on social media and apprehension about facing an investigation.

Among the recipients of the show cause orders are former Presidential Communications Operations Office Chief Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Elizabeth Joie Cruz, Mark Anthony Lopez, Dr. Richard Mata, and Aaron Peña.

Moreover, Abante pointed out the irony of the vloggers’ use of polite terms in their excuse letters after having released content wherein they used offensive language when speaking of officials.

He also clarified that the inquiry was not intended for the sharing of “knowledge,” nor was it concerned whether the online figures had been hired by entities such as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). Rather, he said, its focus is on their claims.

Seventeen of the summoned figures filed a petition before the Supreme Court, asserting that the probe threatens both their constitutional right to freedom of expression and the freedom of the press.

The sentiment was backed by Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, adding that their avoidance damages their credibility.

Fernandez, who presides over the hearings, has said in a statement that the investigation will be looking into the means through which fake news is spread online and how it influences public perception as well as national security, and to devise a method to impede it.