House Tri-Committee Concludes Investigation on Fake News
Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez shared his key insights on fake news during the fifth and final hearing of the House tri-committee on June 5. As the overall chairman of the joint panel, Fernandez aimed to wrap up the proceedings for the 19th Congress with a heartfelt message.
“Sa ating mga kasama sa tri-committee, mga kapwa mambabatas, resource persons, at mga patuloy na sumusubaybay sa ating mga pagdinig—isang taos-pusong pasasalamat po sa inyong lahat,” said Fernandez in what he described as his “last speech” during the hearing. (To our colleagues in the tri-committee, fellow legislators, resource persons, and everyone who has consistently followed our hearings—my deepest gratitude to all of you.)
He emphasized that fake news and disinformation are not just political issues; they have personal and daily impacts on society. “Ngayong tinatapos natin ang serye ng mga pagdinig, gusto ko pong idiin: ang fake news at disimpormasyon ay hindi lang isyung pampulitika. Ito ay personal. Ito ay pang-araw-araw. Ito ay nakakaapekto sa tiwala, sa reputasyon, at sa ugnayan ng bawat isa sa atin,” Fernandez expressed solemnly. (As we conclude this series of hearings, I want to emphasize: fake news and disinformation are not just political issues. They are personal. They are part of our daily lives. They affect trust, reputation, and our relationships with one another.)
Technology and Influence Behind Fake News
Fernandez, who is serving his final term as congressman, pointed out that behind the widespread deception are reputation management firms and interest groups operating quietly but wielding strong influence. “Ginagamit ang teknolohiya, algorithms, at social media para kontrolin hindi lang ang ating iniisip, kundi pati na rin ang ating nararamdaman. Kung sino ang kaawaan, kung sino ang siraan, kung ano ang dapat nating paniwalaan—unti-unti nila tayong hinuhubog,” he said. (They use technology, algorithms, and social media not only to control what we think but also to shape how we feel. Who deserves sympathy, who should be discredited, what we ought to believe—bit by bit, they mold us.)
Despite this, Fernandez firmly stated that the public will not accept these manipulations quietly. “Pero hindi tayo basta-basta papayag. Hindi tayo mananahimik,” he declared. (But we will not simply accept this. We will not stay silent.)
Call to Action Against Fake News
As a member and leader of the tri-committee, Fernandez encouraged unity in fighting fake news. “Kaya nga’t bilang inyong lingkod at kasapi ng tri-comm, hinihikayat ko tayong lahat na magsama-sama sa laban kontra fake news,” he urged. (As your public servant and a member of tri-comm, I urge all of us to stand together in the fight against fake news.)
The tri-committee worked to hold content creators, such as vloggers and social media influencers, accountable for spreading false information. It also examined how social media platforms respond to the coordinated spread of disinformation.
On June 5, the tri-committee approved its final committee report, marking the end of this important investigation.
For more news and updates on fake news and disinformation, visit Filipinokami.com.