Vloggers face contempt if they miss House hearing

Vloggers and social media personalities in the Philippines may face contempt charges if they miss an upcoming hearing by the House of Representatives. Lawmakers expressed concern about the refusal of some online figures to attend previous sessions. Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez emphasized that the tri-committee has the authority to summon individuals for testimony. He stated that ignoring these requests is a threat to democratic values and could damage public trust. The tri-committee is investigating the spread of disinformation online. Several lawmakers have noted the dangers of misinformation. Rep. Robert Ace Barbers called for a regulatory framework for social media, similar to the standards of traditional media. He clarified that the hearings aim to address abuses of free speech, not to suppress expression. Filipinos are among the top global users of social media, spending nearly seven hours online each day. This heavy usage makes them vulnerable to misinformation. Lawmakers previously warned against false information, such as a deepfake video involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Recent reports also highlighted attempts to misinform the public about former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal situation. The Supreme Court denied receiving a petition for President Marcos to resign, which was falsely circulated on social media. The Court promised to investigate these misleading claims and enforce penalties if necessary.