UN Special Rapporteur urged to probe govt.’s alleged use of trolls, ‘rabid’ media outlets

First Published by CNN Philippines on Jan 23, 2024, 1:02:44 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 23) — A lawmaker on Tuesday urged a United Nations expert to investigate the Marcos administration’s alleged use of trolls and media stations to spread disinformation.

In a statement, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro welcomed the arrival of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan in the country on Monday.

Khan, a UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, will be in the Philippines until Feb. 2.

“We are glad that UN SR Khan is here to look into the real situation of freedom of expression in the Philippines, especially considering the challenges faced by those who express dissent against the government,” she said.

Castro said those who expressed opposition against the government were “red-tagged, harassed, or even killed.”

But the solon said Khan’s investigation must be expanded to cover the alleged approach of the current administration to influence public opinion.

“UN SR Khan should also look into how the government utilizes trolls and rabid anti-communist media stations to spread lies and fake news,” she said.

Khan is expected to visit state institutions and government agencies in Metro Manila, Baguio City, Cebu, and Tacloban.

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