During the fourth hearing of the House Tri-Committee on Tuesday, April 9, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela bared the varying narratives in favor of China on the discourse about the West Philippine Sea (WPS). During the latter’s testimony, four levels of fake news were enumerated, causing lawmakers to be alarmed by the gravity of pro-China remarks.
According to Tarriela, the rampant spread of fake news on the WPS is amplified by social media posts, trolls, and peddlers. During his testimony, the former named four factors that contribute to the spread of fake news: initiators, disseminators, reposters, and the general public.
The PCG Commodore said these people often have numerous followers and intentionally set their posts to public so that disseminators and followers can interact with their content.
However, Tarriela warned that the general public often falls victim to disinformation on social media. These false narratives create a divide among citizens, stating that some of them are swayed to believe what influencers post.
“Minsan naniniwala silang walang WPS, minsan naniniwala silang tayo ay inuudyukan lamang ng Amerika. Minsan sila ay naniniwala na ang gobyerno mismo ang gumugulo pagdating sa usapin ng WPS,” he said.
A Different Narrative
During his interpellation, Manila 1st District Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. pointed out that Tarriela’s presentation, stating that the conversation on WPS also extends to issues on POGO and Alice Guo.
“Nakakabagabag yung presentation ni Commodor Tarriela na hindi lang pala WPS, na nagdudugtong-dugtong ito sa POGO na dinedepensahan pa nila, na dinudugtong doon kay Alice Guo na allegedly na spy. Ang narrative nila all about pro-China eh,” Dionisio said.
The lawmaker questioned why some people agree to spread disinformation. Is it because of political or monetary gains?
Political or Monetary?
“Ano bang reason nila? Is it political, or is it because of monetary gains? There should be no Filipino na dapat ipagpapalit mo yung bansa mo para sa mga idol niyong politiko o para lamang sa pera kapalit ang sovereignity at security ng ating bansa. This has to stop,” Dionisio emphasized.
He also urged the vloggers to promote content that protects the country, instead of going against it.
“Isn’t it prudent enough for a Filipino, na kung gagawa ka na lang ng content mo, it’s to fight for our country?” he asked.
Dionisio appealed to vloggers to prove they’re in it together in fighting for the country's sovereignty.
Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-Jay” Suarez echoed Dionisio’s sentiment–highlighting the role that vloggers have in the spread of news.
“Makikita po natin na napakahalaga ng papel na ginagampanan ninyo sa paglaganap ng balita at sa mga pangyayari sa ating bansa. In a certain way and in a certain form, you influence the manner of thinking of certain Filipinos,” he said.
