Barbers: House to probe vloggers maligning QuadComm

The House of Representatives will probe vloggers who are allegedly spreading fake news to malign the Quad Committee, panel Chairperson Robert Ace Barbers said Sunday.

Barbers told Super Radyo DzBB that the House Committee Rule will form a Tri Committee to probe into vloggers who they believe are allegedly funded by outlawed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) still operating in the country.

He said the Tri Comm will work on a regulatory framework to prevent vloggers from spreading fake news and disinformation.

The solon did not name any vloggers during the interview.

“Kaya natin sinasabi na kailangan magkaroon ng regulatory framework para itong mga vloggers na ito, hindi na umaabuso,” Barbers said.

(There is a need for a regulatory framework so that these vloggers do not abuse their influence.)

Barbers maintained criticisms are welcome as long as these are “anchored on the discharge of our official duties and functions.”

“The ultimate goal of the trolls is to create chaos and disorder by sowing false information, confusion, fear and slander their subjects. We must not let them win. Law and order must be preserved to ensure peace and stability in society,” Barbers said in his privilege speech on December 4.

The lawmaker has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify and probe vloggers who engaged in the said activity.

The NBI, meanwhile, said vloggers may be held liable for issuing remarks that potentially incite sedition because the right to freedom of expression is not absolute.  —RF, GMA Integrated News