Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The House of Representatives' Tri-Committee launched a high-stakes investigation on February 4, 2025, to tackle the rampant spread of fake news and disinformation in the country. The probe, which has sparked intense public interest, aimed to expose the masterminds behind online propaganda, holding influencers, vloggers, and even tech giants accountable.
Who Answered the Call?
Out of the 40 social media personalities summoned, only four had the courage to attend: Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, along with Malou Tiquia, Marc Gamboa, and Ricky Tomotorgo. Their presence provided a critical perspective on the role of digital content creators in shaping public discourse. Meanwhile, the glaring absence of many other invited personalities raised eyebrows, prompting Congress to issue show cause orders demanding explanations for their no-shows.
Supreme Court Showdown: The No-Shows Fight Back
In a surprising twist, those who opted not to attend the congressional probe instead took their grievances to the Supreme Court, filing a petition for certiorari and prohibition against the Tri-Committee. The petitioners argue that the congressional investigation is a form of harassment and a threat to free speech, claiming that it oversteps legislative authority and violates their constitutional rights. This legal battle sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between lawmakers pushing for accountability and content creators claiming their rights are being trampled.
Tech Giants Stay Silent
Despite being under increasing scrutiny, representatives from major social media platforms, including Meta, TikTok, and Google, did not attend the hearing. Their absence fueled speculation that these tech giants may be unwilling to fully cooperate with the government's crackdown on fake news. Lawmakers expressed frustration over their no-show, vowing to issue stronger measures to compel their participation in the next session.
The House Demands Accountability
Chaired by Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, the hearing turned into an intense session where lawmakers grilled those present about the mechanisms fueling disinformation. Law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were also present, highlighting the government’s growing concern over the real-world consequences of fake news.
Key Takeaways from the Hearing
The Disinformation Web: Congress explored how fake news spreads through coordinated social media campaigns, often weaponized for political and personal gain.
The Role of Social Media Platforms: Lawmakers questioned whether tech companies were doing enough to regulate misleading content, though their absence left many questions unanswered.
Public Mistrust and National Security: The hearing emphasized the damaging effects of online propaganda, from eroding trust in institutions to inciting public unrest.
Second Hearing Set – Who Will Dare to Show Up?
With tensions high and the demand for accountability growing, the Tri-Committee has scheduled a second hearing on February 18, 2025. Once again, Ross Flores Del Rosario has been invited—this time with the expectation of an even deeper discussion on the role of online journalism and independent media.
Will the absent influencers finally break their silence? Will social media giants be forced to answer Congress’ questions? Or will the Supreme Court case derail the probe altogether?
One thing is certain: the fight against fake news has only just begun.
Stay tuned as this explosive investigation unfolds!
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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