Go backs measures vs fake news

MANILA, Philippines — With the spreading of fake news affecting the lives of innocent people, Sen. Bong Go expressed support for measures aimed at combating disinformation on social media, saying it’s about time to put an end to the problem.

“I agree that these measures should be enacted, the spreaders of fake news should be punished,” Go said after providing aid to barangay tanods and kagawads in Caloocan City.

“It’s time to stop, put an end to this fake news. Filipinos just want to live quietly and not be profaned,” he added.

Sen. Robinhood Padilla earlier presided over a public hearing by the Senate committee on public information and mass media on the possible amendments to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and other pertinent laws.

Padilla said that while free speech should be protected, spreaders of fake news should be punished.

Go said fake news is unfair to people who are falsely mentioned.

“While the Philippines is a democratic country and its people have the right to free speech, it is not a right to spread false information,” he said.

“It’s unfair. It’s OK if the news is true. Spread the truth, not fake news. When fake news spreads, the innocents are the poor victims,” said Go.

When asked about the likelihood of a measure to combat fake news gaining traction in the Senate, Go said he has no problem backing such a measure.

“I will vote for its passage. I will just see with my other colleagues how we should put an end to it. The spread of fake news should be stopped,” he said.

Malabon Rep. Josephine Lacson-Noel and An Waray party-list Rep. Florencio Noel introduced House Bill 2971, seeking to criminalize the dissemination of false information, amending the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.