CHR to PCO: Consult with rights advocates, marginalized sector before enforcing media literacy campaign

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday called on the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to consult with human rights advocates and the marginalized sector in relation to its media literacy campaign.

This, as the human rights body expressed support for the  media literacy campaign, which will be spearheaded by the PCO in a bid to combat fake news and misinformation in the society.

The CHR stressed that it "recognizes the harms to a range of human rights that false and misleading information causes," noting that these issues should be dealt with a human rights-based approach.

"This entails the safeguarding of Filipinos’ fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression, right to participation, and right to information," the CHR said.

"To this end, CHR strongly encourages a direct consultation with the most marginalised sectors and human rights advocates prior to the implementation of the MIL campaign. It is imperative that, in protecting our collective right to information, transparency and accountability must be ensured in governance," it added.

"A whole-of-society approach — open to the ideas of academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other authoritative bodies in verifying online data, information, news, and narratives — is not only imperative, but reflective of a strong and vibrant democracy," the CHR said.

In a side event to the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York last month, PCO Undersecretary Cherbett Karen Maralit said the Philippine Congress has tasked the PCO to address the growing concern on misinformation and disinformation

Maralit said a study will be conducted to refine the target communities where media literacy is most needed; determine the social media platforms through which these communities are most susceptible to fake news; and identify the contents and topics on which these misinformation and disinformation focus.

For her part, PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the agency would include Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites in the project.

Meanwhile, the CHR further emphasized that the pursuit for truth is an "essential component of freedom and justice."

"Access to accurate and reliable information likewise allows individuals to make informed decisions that allow them to participate effectively in democratic processes," the CHR said.

It expressed its willingness to work with the national government in making the media literacy campaign a success.

"With literacy and critical thinking cultivated among citizens, all can engage in online activities safely, responsibly, and ethically, thereby fostering a culture where human rights and dignity are respected and enjoyed by all," the CHR said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA Integrated News