HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Wednesday welcomed tech giant Meta’s, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, support for Congress’ plan to establish a regulatory body to combat fake news, saying the move affirms growing momentum for institutional reforms that aim to protect truth and public trust—while at the same time balancing digital safety and the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression.
The statement followed Meta’s appearance during the April 8 hearing of the House Tri-Comm on fake news and disinformation, where the company declared its willingness to collaborate with the Philippine government on potential regulation.
For Ortega, Meta’s commitment is a clear sign of shared responsibility.
“‘Yan ang klase ng tugon na hindi lang symbolic—mahalaga ito. Kasi malinaw: kung walang tulungan sa pagitan ng gobyerno at platforms, lalamunin tayo ng disinformation,” Ortega said.
Ortega expressed hope that Meta’s endorsement of the congressional initiative would encourage other platforms to follow suit.
“Kung ang Meta ay handang makipagtulungan, dapat masundan ito ng iba. Hindi natin ito malalabanan nang kanya-kanya. Dito nasusubok kung sino talaga ang kakampi ng katotohanan at bilang mga mambabatas, responsibilidad naming itaguyod ang totoo—lalo na sa panahong nilalason ito,” Ortega said.
The House leader stressed that disinformation is not only a technological issue but a democratic threat. “Kapag hindi na alam ng mga tao kung ano ang totoo, doon nagsisimulang gumuho ang tiwala sa pamahalaan, sa batas, at sa isa’t isa. Ang laban sa fake news ay hindi lang laban sa kasinungalingan. Laban ito para protektahan ang katotohanan at ang tiwala ng mamamayan.”
Dr. Rafael Frankel, Meta’s Director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, said the platform was “more than happy” to work with Congress on initiatives that would help protect users while respecting free expression.
He added that Meta has worked with governments across Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific to develop localized regulatory approaches, balancing safety and expression.
But Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop said Meta and other social media platforms should have some responsibility for fake news and posts with harmful content.
“The posting of false information and misleading news, the content that harms not only the subjects of the questionable post but also the public trust in state institutions, should not be tolerated, would you agree with that?” asked Acop.
“Could I say that you recognize that Meta bears some responsibility for what is shared and posted in Facebook or Instagram?” he further asked. “Yes or no? It is a very simple question.”
During the hearing, former vice president and veteran broadcaster Noli De Castro said Meta should be held accountable for the spread of fake news, saying it bears “great responsibility” as the main platform enabling disinformation.
“Naniniwala ho ako na ang Meta ay malaki ang responsibilidad dahil sila ang [may] means para maipakalat ‘yun eh, wala namang iba. Kung Facebook halimbawa, Facebook lang ang magpapakalat niyan. Wala nang iba. Facebook to Facebook. ‘Yung mga may Facebook,” De Castro said.
The former vice president recounted being a frequent target of fake news, including fabricated quote cards and a 2021 hoax that falsely reported his death.
Ortega added that Congress is not seeking to control political discourse, but to guard against deliberate deception. “Hindi ito laban sa freedom of expression. Ang gusto lang natin: kapag may sinadyang kasinungalingan na ginagamit para sirain ang bayan o ang institusyon, may paraan tayo para harapin ito nang mabilis at malinaw.”
The young House leader underlined that while moderation systems matter, civic education is just as crucial. “Hindi lang ito trabaho ng tech platforms. Kailangan nating turuan ang bawat Pilipino kung paano maging mapanuri, paano sumala ng impormasyon, at paano maging responsable sa pagbabahagi ng content.”
He also urged urgency in enacting institutional solutions. “Matagal na tayong nilalason ng fake news. At ngayon, may pagkakataon tayong gumawa ng konkretong hakbang. Hindi pwedeng patagalin pa. Ang daming nasisira habang naghihintay tayo.”
