Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. has sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in identifying and investigating anonymous social media accounts and bloggers allegedly spreading false and malicious information against him.
In a statement, Abante, one of the endorsers of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, said he is contemplating filing cyber libel complaints against those responsible.
Abante met NBI Director Melvin Matibag to discuss his concerns over the alleged proliferation of false information on social media.
The House leader, who served as one of the co-chairs of the House Quad Comm during the 19th Congress, said he sought the NBI’s assistance in determining the identities of individuals behind anonymous accounts and online platforms allegedly being used to spread defamatory content.
“Hindi maaaring gawing kasangkapan ang social media sa pagpapakalat ng kasinungalingan at paninira ng reputasyon ng ibang tao. May kalayaan tayong magpahayag ng ating saloobin, pero may kaakibat itong pananagutan, lalo na kung ang layunin ay manira gamit ang maling impormasyon,” said Benny Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights during the previous 19th Congress and the present 20th Congress.
“Lumapit tayo sa NBI upang humingi ng tulong sa pagtukoy at pag-imbestiga sa mga anonymous accounts at bloggers na umano’y nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon. Kung may sapat na ebidensya at batayan sa ilalim ng batas, handa tayong magsampa ng kaukulang reklamo,” Abante added.
Abante stressed that his move was not intended to suppress legitimate criticism or restrict freedom of expression but to seek accountability for individuals who allegedly use anonymity to spread defamatory statements.
“Bukas tayo sa kritisismo, lalo na bilang mga lingkod-bayan. Pero magkaiba ang lehitimong pagpuna at ang sadyang pagpapakalat ng kasinungalingan upang sirain ang pangalan at dignidad ng isang tao. Hindi dapat maging lisensya ang pagtatago sa likod ng pekeng account para manira ng kapwa,” Abante also said.
The lawmaker also expressed confidence in the NBI’s capability to investigate online activities and determine whether the individuals involved may be held liable under existing laws.
“Ang nais lamang natin ay malaman ang katotohanan at mapanagot ang sinumang mapatutunayang lumabag sa batas. Hindi tayo humihingi ng espesyal na pagtrato. Ang hinihingi natin ay isang patas at masusing imbestigasyon,” Abante said.
The development follows an earlier move by Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas, who filed a cyber libel complaint before the NBI over a similar problem involving the alleged dissemination of false information online.
Abante’s visit highlights growing concerns among lawmakers over anonymous social media accounts and bloggers allegedly spreading malicious content while concealing their identities.
Under Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, libel committed through a computer system or similar means may give rise to criminal liability, subject to the requirements of the law.
Abante emphasized that any legal action would depend on the findings of the investigation and the sufficiency of evidence against those responsible.
“Hindi natin hahayaang manaig ang kasinungalingan. Pero nais din nating tiyakin na ang anumang hakbang ay naaayon sa batas at dumaraan sa tamang proseso. Sa huli, katotohanan at hustisya ang dapat manaig,” Abante said.