The newly formed House Tri-Committee will launch its investigation next week on issues related to fake news, safeguarding freedom of speech for Filipinos, and ensuring the safety of the digital landscape.
Following the formal referral of Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers' privileged speech on the spread of misinformation and the role of trolls and vloggers, the tri-committee will commence its investigation.
The committee was formed through the enactment of House Resolution No. 2147, which brings together the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information.
Moreover, Barbers noted that the investigation seeks to formulate a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for social media and the digital space.
He further emphasized that, just as traditional media is accountable and adheres to a code of ethics and guidelines set by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), vloggers should also be held to the same level of discipline.
One of the factors Barbers identified for the rise of trolls and vloggers spreading fake news is the monetization or payment they earn from their videos.
The Chairman of the House quad-committee previously criticized the alleged "narco trolls" funded by POGO and drug syndicates for their continuous attacks on public officials.
He further alleged that vloggers are sharing outright lies about the Quad Comm panel and has appealed to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals responsible.
