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Today, February 25, 2021, marks the 35th EDSA People Power Anniversary. We all know that some of the things that Filipinos fought for in the historic revolution are free speech and press freedom. So, we asked 'On Record' hosts Oscar Oida and Mav Gonzales on their views about how the rise of social media has affected these two rights of the Filipino people and how they think fake news should be combated.

'On Record' hosts reflect on free speech, press freedom, the rise of social media and combating fake news

With millions of Filipino netizens being one of the most active internet users in the world, social media has indeed become a new great source of information and a platform for people to voice their opinions, raise awareness on certain matters and even rally support for meaningful causes.

However, because anyone and everyone can post whatever they want online without being thoroughly checked by a person in authority, false information or fake stories can sometimes find their way into our social media feed.

Further making things complicated is the fact that not all netizens bother to check the veracity of the information they see on the internet or question the credibility of the source.

This is why both Mav Gonzales and Oscar Oida believe that media literacy is of great importance.

In a statement given to GMANetwork.com, Mav said, “You cannot really censor social media. Everyone can be a citizen journalist now. However, technology and social media also made it easier to manipulate the news.

“Ang daming nagpo-post ng kung anu-ano dahil alam nilang kaya nila. So, while we are freer to post whatever now, mas tumaas din 'yung responsibilidad na i-check at i-verify yung mga nakikita natin online.”

Mav Gonzales explains the importantce of media literacy

Oscar strongly agrees with Mav. He reiterated, “Dapat bawat isa sa atin ay maging mapanuri sa bawat impormasyong nakikita o nababasa natin. Huwag basta-basta maniniwala. Maiging magtanong at magberipika ng impormasyon bago i-share o paniwalaan.”

The 'On Record' hosts also believe that the rise of fake news has made the responsibility of journalists as gatekeepers even greater, to help the public determine which information is true and which one is false.

Oscar explained, “Well, wala na nga yatang mas lalaya pa sa social media, pero para sa akin mas bumigat 'yung responsibilidad ng bawat mamamahayag na tukuyin at ipaliwanag sa mga tao ang mga mga tunay na impormasyon sa hindi.”

Oscar Oida believes journalists have greater responsibility as gatekeepers amid the rise of fake news

Mav also revealed how fake news affects news organizations. She said, “I think fake news lead to legitimate media outfits being ostracized. People blame us especially when internet trolls put “GMA News” as the source on fake posts.”

She then gave advice on how netizens can better discern which news are fake and which ones are legitimate.

“We always tell people to verify, verify, verify. Not everything you see on the internet is true.

“Make sure you follow verified accounts and websites to make ensure you get real news.

“And if you see something you're not sure of, do NOT share it without first fact-checking.

“You don't want to be a peddler of fake news too in the process.”

If you want to watch real videos of real everyday heroes or real special moments caught on cam that are sure to lift your mood and keep you inspired, watch 'On Record' every Tuesday, 11:30 p.m. of GMA-7's Power Block.

Viewers abroad can also watch 'On Record' via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

Want more lifestyle content like this? Head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

Get to know more about 'On Record' host Mav Gonzales in the gallery below.