Filipinos were urged to help protect the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte from disinformation by checking facts, questioning suspicious claims, and refusing to share unverified posts or messages.
The warning came amid concerns that false information surrounding the impeachment case could spread rapidly across social media, community discussions, and other public spaces, potentially shaping public opinion and weakening trust in the accountability process.
House impeachment trial spokesperson and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co said disinformation has become a growing threat as the proceedings draw national attention.
“Siguro ako gusto kong magsalita bilang kinatawan ng kabataan. Nag-aalala tayo sa lumalalang disinformation na nakikita sa social media na lumalaganap din sa physical on-ground sa araw-araw nating buhay,” she said in an interview.
The call followed several claims linked to the impeachment case, including allegations from Sen. Imee Marcos about a supposed Charter change plot connected to the trial.
Authorities and citizens alike were urged to ensure that any action or public position on the impeachment process is based on verified information, not speculation or misleading narratives.
“Ayaw natin kung ano mang gawing aksyon ‘di lang ng Senado pero natin sa proseso ng pananagutan ay nanggaling pala sa maling impormasyon,” the young lawmaker said.
The public was encouraged to compare sources, check original documents or official statements, and rely on credible news reports before believing or spreading information about the trial.
The fight against disinformation, she said, should involve schools, communities, media organizations, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens, not government institutions alone.
“Kaya kailangan lahat tayo magtulungan para malabanan ang disinformation,” she said.
Young Filipinos were also urged to be more discerning online by learning how to distinguish facts from falsehoods, report misleading content, and correct inaccurate claims when they encounter them.
“Paano rin ito i-report, i-confront ‘yung iba kung may narinig at nalalamang hindi pala tama, and tulong-tulungan tayo para hindi ito ang umiral,” she explained.
The impeachment proceedings, she stressed, should remain focused on accountability and the proper use of public funds.
“Ang panawagan ng mamamayan lahat ng sangkot dapat managot,” she noted.
She added that citizens must continue to demand that public money be used for services, not corruption or the benefit of a few.
“At siyempre sa puno’t dulo nito tuloy-tuloy na i-demand na ang pera ng taumbayan pumunta sa serbisyo, hindi sa korupsyon, hindi sa bulsa ng iilan,” she said.