Lawmakers Reject Galileo Argument in Fake News Debate
Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers firmly dismissed the so-called “Galileo argument” used by some vloggers and content creators to defend their posts on social media. This came during the final hearing of the House tri-committee on the spread of fake news and disinformation online in the 19th Congress.
These lawmakers have branded the content from these personalities—mostly supporters of the Duterte family—as fake news. Barbers challenged their claim that their posts, labeled as fake news today, might be true tomorrow, likening their defense to the famous Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei.
Galileo Argument Misused by Social Media Personalities
In previous hearings, these controversial vloggers faced scrutiny for spreading false information about President Marcos, government officials, and various state affairs. They compared their situation to Galileo, who was once accused of falsehoods when he asserted that the Earth revolves around the Sun, a fact later proven correct.
Barbers pointed out, “Ang sinabi pa ninyo noong kayo ay tinanong sa pagpapakalat ninyo ng fake news ay maaaring fake news ngayon, bukas totoo at inihalintulad nyo pa kay Galileo…” (You once said, when questioned about your spreading of fake news, that what was considered fake news today might be true tomorrow. You even likened yourself to Galileo.)
He emphasized a key difference: Galileo was a scientist who used research and methods to arrive at his discoveries. “Si Galileo po ay isang scientist,” Barbers stressed, questioning what tools these vloggers use to distort simple truths.
Falsehoods Will Not Prevail Forever
Barbers added, “Ang tanging nakita ko lamang na pagkaka pareho ninyo kay Galileo ay nang mapatunayan na totoo nga, umiikot ang mundo sa araw. Hindi habang panahon kayo at ang mga kasinungalingan ninyo ang mananaig…” (The only similarity I see between you and Galileo is that, indeed, the Earth revolves around the Sun. But falsehoods do not prevail forever.)
He warned that those spreading lies will eventually face consequences for betraying the nation. His message serves as a reminder that truth ultimately prevails and those who spread misinformation will have to answer for their actions.
Defining Fake News: A Lie, Not Just Opinion
Barbers also criticized vloggers who challenge lawmakers to define “fake news” before declaring their content illegal. He stated clearly, “Eto po ang depinisyon ng fake news – kasinungalingan! Yan po ang tamang depinisyon.” (This is the definition of fake news – a lie! That is the correct definition.)
He reminded them that laws exist to curb the spread of misinformation, such as libel laws. “Sa inyong pagpapa laganap ng kasinungalingan… may batas kontra dito – Libel,” he said, urging those who do not want state investigations to stop spreading lies.
Barbers ended with a heartfelt warning, “Lahat ng labis ay masama. Huwag ninyong turuan ang mga kabataan at ibang tao na maniwala na ang inyong ginagawa ay tama. Babalik sa inyo yan.” (All kinds of excess are harmful. Do not teach the youth and others to believe what you do is right. It will come back to you.)
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