House Bill Targets Fake News to Protect Public Order
A prominent lawmaker in the House of Representatives has proposed a bill aiming to impose jail sentences and fines up to P2 million for those who spread fake news that threatens public order or national security. The exact four-word keyphrase, “spread fake news especially,” plays a crucial role in highlighting the bill’s focus.
Cagayan de Oro City’s second district representative introduced House Bill No. 11506, titled “An Act penalizing the malicious and deliberate dissemination of false information that undermines public order or national security, strengthening regulations on fake news through digital platforms, and for other purposes.” The bill seeks to address the increasing dangers posed by false information in the digital age.
Defining Fake News and Disinformation
According to the proposed law, fake news refers to false or misleading information presented as fact, spread deliberately to mislead the public. Such falsehoods may cause confusion, incite hatred or violence, or disrupt societal peace. Disinformation is also defined as intentionally false content aimed at deceiving or manipulating public opinion, behavior, or policies.
The bill clearly outlines prohibited acts, including knowingly spreading fake news through any medium—print, broadcast, digital, or social media. It also bans creating or funding troll farms, bot networks, or coordinated efforts designed to spread false information. Moreover, the measure forbids disseminating fake news that incites violence, promotes hate speech, undermines democratic institutions, or causes public panic.
Sanctions and Oversight Measures
Those found guilty of these offenses may face imprisonment ranging from six to twelve years, along with fines between P500,000 and P2 million. The legislation also proposes establishing a joint congressional oversight committee, which would include members from civil society and media groups, to ensure proper enforcement.
Addressing the Threat of Fake News Especially on Digital Platforms
The bill’s author pointed out that the rise of digital platforms and artificial intelligence has intensified the spread of fake news especially in recent years. This surge poses a significant threat to public trust, democratic processes, and national stability.
Existing laws, such as the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, appear insufficient to counter the evolving tactics used in disinformation campaigns, including the use of deepfakes and mass dissemination through social media. “These falsehoods, often disseminated at scale through social media or synthetic content like deepfakes, have the power to incite confusion, manipulate public perception, and provoke civil disorder,” explained one community leader familiar with the bill.
The proposed legislation aims to criminalize the intentional creation or sharing of false or misleading information that can cause public harm, strengthening the country’s defenses against malicious fake news especially in the digital era.
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