Sotto remains obstinate on fake-news bill despite expert's skepticism

A law that would penalize the publication and proliferation of false content is coming, and it can come for any person on the internet.

GMA One’s “Fact or Fake?" digs deeper into some fears arising from Senate Bill No. 9, also known as "An Act Prohibiting the Publication and Proliferation of False Content on the Philippine Internet, Providing Measures to Counteract its Effects and Prescribing Penalties Therefor."

Under the “Anti-Fake News” bill, content refers to any text, video, images, audio recording and animation posted on the internet, but it excludes newspaper reports or television and radio broadcasts unless published online.

Even students who like to spread silly "walang pasok" posts might want to think twice, as posters of such false content could face fines ranging P200,000 to P500,000.

The bill would also impose a P1-million fine and/or imprisonment on any person found financing an online activity that publishes false information.

With this, experts on law and Philippine studies were asked: Would this law step on a person's freedom of speech?

Moreover, do we really need an anti-fake news bill given the existence of laws seeking to prevent slander, libel, and cybercrime?

For Dr. Luis Teodoro of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, passing such a law would be contrary to the Constitutional provision on the right to freedom of expression.

"Kahit na sino ngayon na naka-online, puwedeng maapektuhamn, hindi lang yung old media, o 'yung mga online news sites, Kung di anyone. And ito will regulate free expression and press freedom on the part of the government. Obviously contrary ito sa Constitution," Teodoro explained.

Specifically, Article 3, Sec. 4 of the Constitution says that "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people to assemble and petition government for redress of grievances."

However, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who filed the bill last July, insisted the law would oblige the online community to be more responsible in spreading information.

"Ang lakas makasira ng hindi lang reputasyon kung di ang mga tao, ng mga institusyon, eh alam naman natin kung ano ang fake news at hindi, bakit natin ito-tolerate?" Sotto argued. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News