CBCP warns vs. 'radical distortions' in Martial Law, People Power history

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday warned the public against the "virus of lies" being sowed by troll farms on social media.

In a pastoral letter, CBCP president Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David called out what he said are "radical distortions" in the history of Martial Law and the EDSA People Power Revolution.

"We are appalled by the blatant and subtle distortion, manipulation, cover-up, repression and abuse of the truth, like: historical revisionism – the distortion of history or its denial; the proliferation of fake news and false stories; disinformation – the seeding of false information and narratives in order to influence the opinion of the people, to hide the truth, to malign and blackmail people," he said.

"There are troll farms which sow the virus of lies."

David, in his letter, noted CBCP's role in the 1986 EDSA People Power, the 36th anniversary of which was being celebrated on Friday.

"We did not invent the historic event that happened in EDSA; it was a fruit of love of neighbor and faith. With you, we were simply part of it," he said.

David urged the public to examine themselves to determine if they unwittingly contribute to the spreading of lies.

"Let us examine ourselves. Perhaps we, too, sow the virus of lies which spreading wildly and numbs our consciences. This virus paralyzes our capacity to recognize God, respect truth and goodness," David said.

"Thus, we do not realize that there is a 'pandemic of lies,' especially in the social media. This is very serious."

In connection with May 9 national and local elections, the CBCP called on the public, especially the youth, "to examine carefully what is happening in our quest for a true and just society."

"Engage in dialogue and discernment. Listen to your conscience. Be the ones to decide. We trust in your capacity to discern what is true and good," David said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News