A LAWMAKER has proposed the creation of a Digital Council of the Philippines (DCP) to oversee content creators and address the growing issue of misinformation, during the continuation of the House Tri-Committee hearing on Friday.
Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman proposed that content creators form a self-regulatory body similar to the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Ad Standards Council (ASC), stressing that freedom of expression is not absolute.
The proposed body would be composed of content creators, advertisers, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), academe, and public relations practitioners. She added that its main functions would include education, leveling up content standards and addressing fake news complaints.
Journalist and social media personality Ms. Krizzette Laureta-Chu supported the idea but raised concerns about determining real influencers.
“It’s a very good idea because then a lot of the people who have a massive following will also be accountable. But we just need to know what we consider massive following. Kasi ma’am ang problema dito nabibili ang likes, nabibili ang following,” Laureta-Chu said.
The discussion also touched on a possible registry for content creators, which Laureta-Chu supported as long as it does not violate free speech.
“Nobody should be able to regulate free speech para wala tayong—because it is in our Constitution,” she noted.
Roman clarified that the goal is not to stifle expression but to ensure accountability.
“I fully realize that in order for the state to exercise its function, to protect public interest while responding and recognizing the basic right to freedom of expression, we always have to look for the least restrictive means. This is the scrutiny test that we as legislators should always apply,” Roman stated, adding that the basic intent is “to flag the content. This is our way of administering justice to those who are being victimized.”
Tri-committee co-chairperson and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel emphasized the severity of the fake news problem.
“Hindi na po biro-biro ito dahil nagpalaganap na ng mga fake news. Sagad na at walang pakundangan ang mga taong responsable sa pagpakalat nito,” Pimentel said.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) chief Secretary Jay Ruiz agreed, calling the fight against fake news, illegal gambling, deep fakes, pornography, and hate speech, “the biggest fight right now of our generation.”
He proposed that lawmakers consider the framework of the Digital Services Act of the European Union (EU) which he said “prevents illegal and harmful activities online and the spread of disinformation while ensuring that freedom of expression is upheld.”
House Committee on Public Information chairman and Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II called for all stakeholders to work in unison to address the matter.
“Together, let us dissect and uncover the underlying causes of this issue so that we can once and for all push for policies that would create a social media environment that promotes a culture of responsible social media use, respectful of people’s rights and dignity,” he said.
The House Tri-Committee is composed of the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology and Public Information.
Friday’s hearing brought together government agencies, social media influencers and platform representatives.
