The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is considering creating a regulatory body to monitor and control vloggers, social media influencers, and content creators to curb misinformation.
PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz said in an ambush interview that it is time to stop the spread of fake news and misleading information online. He argued that if traditional media platforms like radio, television, and film have regulatory bodies, social media should have one too.
Ruiz stressed that individuals must be held accountable for the information they share, regardless of the platform. He emphasized that the spread of unverified content can impact public welfare and national security, especially since many netizens easily believe what they see on social media.
He cited past incidents where fake news went viral, including false government work and school suspension announcements and fabricated bomb threats.
Because of this, Ruiz stated that the PCO’s legal team is studying the possibility of filing charges against those responsible for spreading fake news, especially if it significantly affects the country and national security.
