Senators back probe on fake news sources, urge balanced probe

Senate building (File photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Several senators on Monday expressed their support for the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) plan to identify those allegedly bankrolling fake news campaigns on social media and called for a fair and balanced investigation.

In a press briefing, Senate President Francis Escudero called for the separation of fact from opinion, saying that grievances from allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte should not justify the spread of disinformation.

“Normal sigurong malungkot at maglabas ng sama ng loob ang mga kapanalig at kakampi ng pamilya Duterte. Pero hindi ito lisensya para gumawa ng mga imbentong kwento na pinapasa bilang katotohanan (It is normal for Duterte family supporters and allies to be sad and express resentment. But this is not a license to create fabricated stories that are passed off as truth,” he said.

Escudero emphasized that while the NBI may act motu proprio, it typically initiates investigations based on formal complaints.

He also noted a disparity in how such complaints arise.

“Kadalasan, ang mga nagrereklamo ay yung mga sinisiraan ang pamahalaan, samantalang yung mga ginagantihan ng paninira ay nananahimik. Kung may reklamo sa kabilang banda, dapat imbestigahan din (Often, the ones who complain are the ones who slander the government, while those who are retaliated against remain silent. If there is a complaint on the other side, it should also be investigated),” he said.

Senator Joel Villanueva expressed strong support for the initiative, citing his personal experience as a target of online disinformation.

“I have also been the subject of many fake news and malicious disinformation. It’s time that these individuals are not only exposed but be brought to justice,” he said in a statement.

Villanueva called for amendments to the Cybercrime Prevention Act to include harsher penalties, arguing the current law is insufficient to curb the spread of harmful content.

Senator Grace Poe likewise underscored the urgent need for full enforcement of the Anti-Cybercrime Law and supported a fair and intensified probe by the NBI.

“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, but it’s not absolute. The law does not protect lies,” Poe said.

Citing recent Supreme Court rulings, Poe warned against the real-world consequences of disinformation, which can damage livelihoods, reputations, and even national unity.

According to a March 2025 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, 65 percent of Filipinos find it difficult to distinguish between legitimate news and fake content online.

“Identifying those bankrolling these activities is essential — not as an act of censorship — but as a step toward protecting the public from calculated deception. At the same time, our approach must be balanced and grounded in law, due process, and respect for rights,” Poe said.

The NBI is expecting to file cases against identified individuals soon, including a US-based vlogger who goes by the name Maharlika, who could face charges for violating the anti-cybercrime law and inciting to sedition.