Why Is Congress Targeting Only Pro-Duterte Voices? Inquiry in Aid of Legislation or Retaliation?

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine Congress has launched a joint inquiry into the alleged proliferation of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation on social media. However, a striking pattern has emerged—only pro-Duterte influencers and content creators appear to be under scrutiny. This raises the question: Is this truly an investigation in aid of legislation, or is it political harassment masquerading as an inquiry?

One glaring inconsistency is the absence of Emerald Anne Ridao from the list of those being summoned. Ridao was among the social media managers of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during his campaign, yet she remains untouched by the inquiry. This is particularly notable given that Marcos had previously denied employing "trolls" to amplify his online messaging. However, depending on how Congress defines a "troll," Ridao’s role as a social media manager could arguably fall into that category.

So why is Congress not investigating Ridao, despite her past role in managing online narratives for Marcos? The likely answer is her political alignment. Unlike those being targeted, Ridao is now part of the Marcos administration’s team. Her exclusion from the probe suggests that this inquiry is not about combating online disinformation but rather about silencing specific voices—particularly those affiliated with former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Media Misrepresentation and a Flawed List

When the list of 40 social media personalities was released to the media and the public, it was quickly assumed that everyone on it was a fake news peddler. However, what many people don’t realize is that some individuals on the list are not involved in spreading disinformation at all.

One such case is Ross Flores Del Rosario of Wazzup Pilipinas—a name that was even incorrectly listed as "Wazzup Philippines" in official records. Del Rosario, who is not pro-Duterte, was included not because he was accused of fake news, but because he voluntarily offered himself to be considered as a resource person in the inquiry. He wrote to the committee, expressing his willingness to participate, yet his presence on the list was misinterpreted as an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.

29 January 2025

Hon. Dan S. Fernandez

Lead Chairperson

Committee on Public Order & Safety

House of Representatives

Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Subject: Request for Invitation to the Joint Committee Inquiry on Social Media Accountability

Dear Congressman Fernandez,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am writing to formally request consideration for an invitation to the upcoming joint committee hearing convened by the Committees on Public Order & Safety, Information & Communications Technology, and Public Information scheduled for February 4, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Speaker Nograles Hall, House of Representatives.

As the Founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, a leading online publication dedicated to news, tourism, business, and community affairs, I have been deeply engaged in digital journalism, social media influence, and community advocacy. With extensive experience in covering national and local issues, I have actively promoted transparency, accountability, and responsible online discourse, aligning with the objectives of your committee’s inquiry.

Given my background and expertise in online media and digital engagement, I would be honored to contribute to the discussions on social media accountability, authenticity, and digital well-being. I firmly believe that my insights into the evolving digital landscape and my commitment to ethical journalism would be valuable to the deliberations of the committee.

I sincerely hope for your favorable consideration of my request. Please let me know if there are any additional requirements or formalities needed to facilitate my participation. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I remain at your disposal for any further information or coordination.

Respectfully yours,

Ross Flores Del Rosario

Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas

09473820042

Selective Targeting and Political Retaliation?

The fact that pro-Duterte influencers are under intense scrutiny while pro-Marcos digital operators remain untouched exposes a clear double standard. If the goal of Congress is to investigate the spread of false information, why limit the inquiry to only one political faction?

With this clear selective targeting, it becomes increasingly difficult to believe that this congressional probe is a fair and impartial effort to regulate social media. Instead, it raises concerns that this is an inquiry in aid of retaliation, rather than legislation.

If Congress is truly committed to addressing misinformation and disinformation, it must apply the same level of scrutiny across the political spectrum—including those who worked for Marcos' online campaign. Otherwise, this investigation will only be seen as a political weapon wielded against the opposition.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.