A House leader has sought a congressional inquiry into the rising cases of fake news, online harassment, cyber threats, disinformation, and other forms of digital abuse spreading across social media and online platforms.
The resolution calls on the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information to conduct a joint investigation in aid of legislation. The probe will determine whether existing laws remain sufficient to address emerging forms of cyber-enabled attacks and online misconduct.
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin said the proposed inquiry is intended to strengthen the country’s legal framework against digital abuse while ensuring that constitutionally protected freedom of speech and legitimate media expression are not curtailed.
The Iloilo lawmaker expressed concern over what she described as the alarming spread of fabricated information, organized online attacks, and digital manipulation, which she said continue to erode public trust and threaten social stability.
“With the increasing number of individuals spreading fake news, online attacks, threats, and scams, it is no longer only reputations that are being damaged. Public trust in truth and in our institutions is also slowly being eroded,” Garin said.
She said ordinary citizens, government officials, private individuals, and even media practitioners have increasingly become targets of online harassment, cyberbullying, doxxing, extortion, and coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Garin said social media and other digital platforms should not be used as weapons to spread falsehoods, intimidate people, or destroy reputations under the guise of free expression.
“Freedom of speech is fundamental in a democratic society, but it also carries responsibility. The purpose of this resolution is to protect the public from abuse without suppressing legitimate opinion and responsible journalism,” she stressed.
The former Health Secretary also emphasized the need for Congress to reassess whether current laws can still respond effectively to fast-evolving digital threats and technology-driven attacks.
She warned that the growing sophistication of online disinformation networks and cyber-enabled harassment poses serious risks not only to individuals but also to democratic institutions and public discourse.
“The fight against fake news is not a fight against opinion. Our fight is against lies, intimidation, defamation, and the use of technology to deceive or destroy others,” Garin said.
The proposed congressional inquiry comes amid growing calls from lawmakers and various sectors to strengthen safeguards against online abuse while balancing civil liberties and press freedom in the digital age.