HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre has expressed concern over the spread of disinformation on social media, stating that this phenomenon "is slowly eroding not only our institutions but also our sense of truthfulness."
"I think it is incumbent upon Congress to find ways to address [disinformation and misinformation], as well as to protect the right to freedom of speech and the right to information," Acidre said.
"Nonetheless, we must find a careful balance between addressing disinformation and misinformation while also protecting individuals' rights to express their grievances, criticisms, or opinions about the government," the lawmaker told reporters over the weekend.
According to Acidre, the issue of disinformation has impacted Filipinos, particularly ordinary citizens.
While the House Tri-Committee (Tri Comm), composed of the Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information, has launched an inquiry into disinformation on social media, the lawmaker emphasized that they are not against bloggers.
"Clearly, we are not against people speaking up against the government. But we are against those who use this platform to destroy the government, which is different from responsibly expressing grievances against the government," Acidre said. (Ronald Reyes/SunStar Philippines)