Lawmakers Renew Push for Anti Fake News Bill
In the 20th Congress, lawmakers are renewing efforts to criminalize the deliberate spread of false information. The anti fake news bill aims to impose harsher penalties on public officials, journalists, and social media influencers who intentionally disseminate disinformation.
House Bill No. 3799, authored by representatives from Cagayan de Oro and Abamin party-list, seeks to enforce penalties including imprisonment of up to 12 years and fines as high as P2 million. These measures target those who spread lies that could threaten public order or national security.
Stronger Penalties for Key Offenders
While existing laws like Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act already punish false publications, this bill introduces aggravating circumstances to apply maximum penalties. Officials reported that public figures and influencers with large followings—at least 50,000 followers—would face stricter consequences if found guilty.
The bill also lists other serious conditions that warrant harsher punishment. These include cases where disinformation endangers national security or diplomatic ties, disrupts elections, disaster responses, or public health emergencies. Additionally, using troll farms, bot networks, or coordinated online campaigns to spread fake news would be penalized more severely.
Foreign Interference and Safeguards
Another critical provision addresses disinformation involving direct or indirect assistance from foreign governments, entities, or individuals. Community members noted the bill’s intent to protect the country from external manipulation through false information.
To prevent abuse, the measure explicitly excludes satire, parody, opinions, honest mistakes, and good-faith reporting, ensuring that legitimate speech remains protected. This balance aims to uphold free expression while targeting harmful misinformation.
Social Media Accountability and Oversight
The bill mandates social media platforms to assign liaison officers to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). These officers would coordinate on content takedown requests, crisis responses, and submit annual transparency reports on disinformation affecting Filipino users.
A Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, composed of lawmakers, judiciary representatives, and civil society groups, would monitor the bill’s implementation. This committee would also review the law every three years to safeguard against misuse and ensure proper enforcement.
Previous Legislative Efforts and Challenges
Before the close of the 19th Congress, a House tricommittee recommended similar legislation to combat disinformation. The panel, led by a Laguna representative, emphasized registering foreign-based social media platforms and requiring them to comply with Philippine authorities’ content orders.
Officials reported that platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube lack local headquarters in the Philippines, making it difficult for government agencies to demand accountability or coordinate content takedowns swiftly. This gap underscores the need for stricter regulations on digital platforms to protect Filipino users.
For more news and updates on anti fake news bill, visit Filipinokami.com.
