House panel tells Facebook, Tiktok to explain absence at fake news hearing

The joint congressional committee investigating the spread of fake news online has issued a show cause order to executives of Meta and Bytedance, the companies of Facebook and Tiktok respectively, for skipping the hearing on Tuesday.

This House panel unanimously adopted the motion of 1-Rider party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, saying that not having their headquarters in the Philippines was not a reason to send representatives to the inquiry.

Gutierrez cited the case of Google LLC, the parent company of YouTube which sent Yves Gonzalethe head of government affairs and public policy for Google in the Philippines–to attend the House hearing.

The individuals named in the show cause order were Henickson David for Facebook Philippines and Peachy Paderna of Bytedance Philippines.

A show cause order asks the respondents to explain why they should not be cited in contempt for skipping a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation.

GMA News Online has sought comment from both social media companies and will publish their replies as soon as they become available.

Gutierrez said the committee had received a letter from Meta's lawyer in the US, saying the firm could not be invited.

"Facebook Philippines is not authorized to receive the invitation. However, I think this is like the case of Google. Although Google is international, Google Philippines showed up,” Gutierrez said.

“This would not stand as a reason for Facebook Philippines not to attend. So given that they have failed to substantiate the reason for their absence, may I move, Mr. Chair, that a show cause order be issued for Facebook Philippines,” he added.

Gutierrez said ByteDance stated in its communication that they could not attend Tuesday’s probe due to an engagement in Singapore.

“The engagement was not substantiated and based on precedence in this committee, we generally would require proof of the reason for their absence," Gutierrez said.

"So, in the same manner, I would like to amend my motion, Mr. Chair. I'd like to move that the show cause order be issued to ByteDance Philippines and Facebook Philippines,” he added. –NB, GMA Integrated News