We're looking into cyber laws to combat fake news — DOJ's Remulla

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into the cyber laws in the country to address the proliferation of fake news, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday.  

“Well, we’re looking at the cyberlibel laws and other cyber laws. If there’s a need to amend it, we will recommend amendments,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

He issued the remark when asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the DOJ to file cases against individuals spreading false information.

Marcos earlier called on the public to be wary of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation being used by electoral candidates amid the campaign season.

Remulla, however, said the department has no specific individuals or groups in mind.

“We are not exempting anybody nor are we hot in the eyes of anybody. Everybody who dabbles in fake news has to be investigated and charged,” he said.

For the Justice Secretary, spreading false information is a “sin.”

“Fake news is something that should not be tolerated because it’s actually a great disservice to the country and making people believe things that are false. I think that is a sin against our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Ad Interim Secretary Jay Ruiz also said he wants to have a regulatory body to combat fake news on social media. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News