20 vloggers under scrutiny for spreading fake news

National

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is closely monitoring 20 vloggers suspected of disseminating fake news online, with two individuals already facing arrest warrants.

In a report by Philippine Star, NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that authorities have identified these vloggers and are evaluating potential charges, such as cyber libel and inciting to sedition.

One of the vloggers is reportedly based in the United States.

Santiago reiterated that while freedom of speech and expression are constitutional rights, they have legal limitations.

“If you cross the boundaries set by law and commit a crime, we are obligated to take action,” he said in a report by GMA Integrated News.

Meanwhile, the Malacañang is collaborating with the NBI to combat the spread of fake news, citing a surge in disinformation following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro pointed out misleading claims about Duterte’s whereabouts, which the ICC has already refuted.

House officials have also raised concerns over the spread of false information, with La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V calling it a “national embarrassment.” Fact-checking organizations such as Vera Files have identified multiple misleading claims circulating on social media.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is working with the NBI and other agencies to curb fake news.

DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy confirmed that discussions are underway on tracking online misinformation and holding content creators accountable.

Social media platforms are also under scrutiny for allegedly allowing the spread of disinformation. Dy noted that monetization systems on YouTube and Meta contribute to the proliferation of misleading content.(MyTVCebu)