House resumes ‘fake news’ probe: Jay Sonza, influencers, vloggers summoned
Metro Manila, Philippines - The House of Representatives will resume its investigation into online disinformation on Tuesday, summoning broadcaster Jay Sonza and a new batch of social media personalities to testify before lawmakers.
Chaired by Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, the joint House panel—composed of the Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information—continues its inquiry into the coordinated spread of fake news on social media platforms.
The hearing, to be held at the Speaker Nograles Hall in Batasan, as pressure mounts on Congress to curb the unchecked spread of fake news.
More vloggers now
Among the personalities expected to appear are Krizette Laureta Chu, Mark Lopez, and Mary Jane Quiambao Reyes, who all previously apologized for posting unverified claims. Chu, who introduced herself as a Manila Bulletin editor, went viral for a Facebook post claiming there would be mass resignations in the military and police following former President Duterte’s arrest.
The panel has also subpoenaed 24 more vloggers and influencers, including Lorraine Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Celiz, Sass Rogando Sasot, Atty. Glenn Chong, and Kester Tan. Rep. Paduano warned that refusal to appear may lead to contempt and detention.
Lawmakers are also scrutinizing the role of platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok in spreading false content. Representatives from Meta, Google, and TikTok are expected to testify.
In addition, officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Justice (DOJ), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Anti-Money Laundering Council were invited to attend the investigation.
Fake news is dangerous
At the previous hearing, Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre expressed alarm over the growing dominance of fake news on Filipinos’ social media feeds.
“If lies dominate the feed, even well-intentioned citizens may find themselves misled, manipulated, or misinformed,” Acidre said.
He cited the “illusion of truth” effect: “When people hear something over and over again—whether it’s true or not—they begin to believe it.”
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz said earlier the country is becoming increasingly divided due to disinformation.
“What is happening to us right now is we are being polarized. Filipinos are being pitted against Filipinos,” Ruiz told the House Tri-Committee
He urged closer collaboration between the Presidential Communications Office, DOJ, and DICT to fight fake news.
“Lies, repeated a thousand times, become the truth. We have to fight lies with truth. The voice of truth should be louder than lies,” Ruiz said.
Congress is currently reviewing proposals to tighten regulations—and possibly impose criminal penalties—on those who repeatedly spread false information that threatens public trust and national stability.
