Joel Villanueva Revives Anti-Fake News Bill
Senator Joel Villanueva has reintroduced his Anti-Fake News Act, aiming to penalize the deliberate spread of false information. This key legislation is once again among his priorities in the 20th Congress, reflecting his commitment to combat misinformation.
The bill makes it unlawful for anyone to knowingly publish, distribute, or circulate false news that causes panic, division, chaos, violence, or hate. It also targets content intended to harm or discredit a person’s reputation. “Kung ang impormasyon ay mali at ito ay sinadyang ipalaganap, dapat may pananagutan ang gumawa,” local leaders noted.
Penalties for Spreading Fake News
Under the proposed law, violators face up to five years imprisonment and fines reaching P5 million. Those who assist or enable the spread of fake news could be jailed for up to three years and fined as much as P3 million. The bill clearly states that public officials who commit these offenses will face double the penalties, including lifetime disqualification from holding public office.
Stringent Measures for Media and Platforms
More severe punishments are set for mass media companies and social media platforms that fail to remove false information after being made aware of its falsity. These entities could face up to 20 years in prison and fines ranging from P10 million to P20 million. Corporate heads, including presidents and CEOs, may also be imprisoned under this proposal.
Villanueva’s bill has been in the legislative pipeline since 2017 and is designed to protect the public from the dangers of misinformation while balancing freedom of speech. “Penalizing fake news won’t endanger freedom of speech,” sources said, emphasizing the bill’s focus on malicious intent.
For more news and updates on anti-fake news legislation, visit Filipinokami.com.