From Enforcers to Victims: The DDS Bloggers’ Hypocrisy on Free Speech

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Oh, how the tables have turned!

For years, the so-called "Diehard Duterte Supporters" (DDS) dominated social media, aggressively backing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown on press freedom, online dissent, and critical journalism. They cheered on when media giants like ABS-CBN were shut down and when journalists, including Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, were harassed and convicted. They gleefully attacked ordinary Filipinos who dared to criticize their idol, branding them as "dilawans," "bayaran," or "destabilizers."

But now, when faced with congressional hearings over their role in spreading disinformation, they are suddenly waving the "freedom of speech" card to dodge accountability. The irony is deafening.

The Congressional Inquiry That Shook DDS

In an effort to combat the spread of fake news, Philippine lawmakers launched a congressional investigation into social media disinformation. Several pro-Duterte influencers and vloggers were summoned to testify about their involvement in online propaganda campaigns that shaped public perception and fueled political narratives.

However, rather than appearing and defending their content, many of these DDS influencers opted to ignore the hearings. Their refusal to cooperate did not sit well with legislators, who have now ordered them to explain their absence and justify their defiance.

According to The Philippine Star, House officials are considering legal actions against those who deliberately snubbed the proceedings. If these individuals continue to evade accountability, they could face contempt charges and possible arrest orders. (Philstar)

Running to the Supreme Court—For "Freedom of Speech"

Instead of showing up at the hearings, a group of influencers and vloggers filed a petition with the Supreme Court, seeking to stop the legislative probe. Their argument? The investigation supposedly violates their constitutional rights to free speech and expression.

These bloggers—who once argued that free speech was not absolute and celebrated the silencing of critics—now claim that their own speech is being threatened. Their petition insists that the hearings will create a "chilling effect" on free expression and could be used as a tool for political persecution. (Philstar)

A History of Hypocrisy

The sheer hypocrisy is hard to ignore. During Duterte’s reign, these same bloggers and social media operators supported and even celebrated the suppression of dissent:

ABS-CBN Shutdown – They cheered when Duterte refused to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise in 2020, calling it a victory against "oligarchs" while thousands of workers lost their jobs. (The Diplomat)

Rappler Persecution – They accused Maria Ressa and Rappler of spreading fake news and celebrated the government’s relentless legal battles against the news organization, including its eventual shutdown order. (People’s Dispatch)

Harassment of Critics – They fueled online hate campaigns, doxxed private individuals, and reported anti-Duterte social media posts for takedowns, claiming that free speech had its limits when used against the government.

Now, when they are under scrutiny, they suddenly rediscover their love for free expression.

Selective Free Speech: Only When It Benefits Them?

The fundamental question here is: Was freedom of speech only conditional when it suited their agenda?

When DDS bloggers justified government crackdowns on the press, they argued that free speech was a privilege, not a right. They promoted the idea that criticizing Duterte was equivalent to destabilizing the country. Now that their own words are under scrutiny, they conveniently flip the script and argue that free speech is absolute.

What changed? The political tide.

The Larger Implications: A Test for Philippine Democracy

This entire controversy serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of free speech in the Philippines. If DDS bloggers get away with this selective application of constitutional rights, it sets a dangerous precedent where freedom of speech becomes a privilege of the ruling faction, rather than a right for all citizens.

As the battle against disinformation continues, one thing is clear: accountability is coming for those who weaponized social media for political gain. And no amount of last-minute "free speech" defenses can erase years of complicity in the erosion of press freedom.

In the end, you can’t claim victimhood when you once cheered for the very oppression you now fear.

Stop Overloading Social Media Managers: Why Your Business Needs a Full Marketing Team

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In today's digital landscape, the role of a Social Media Manager (SMM) has evolved significantly. Once focused primarily on content posting and community engagement, many businesses now expect SMMs to handle a multitude of tasks, including video editing, graphic design, copywriting, SEO, data analysis, performance marketing, content creation, and managing advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. These expansive expectations raise a critical question: Are companies seeking a single individual or an entire marketing department?

The Evolution of Social Media Management

The digital marketing ecosystem has become increasingly complex, with each facet requiring specialized knowledge and skills. Expecting one person to master all these areas is not only unrealistic but also detrimental to both the employee and the organization. A 2020 study found that 47% of social media managers worked more hours than their colleagues, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. 

The Importance of Specialized Roles

Each aspect of digital marketing demands dedicated attention:

Social Media Managers: Focus on strategy, scheduling, and community engagement.

Content Creators: Develop engaging and relevant content tailored to the target audience.

Graphic Designers: Create visually appealing designs that align with brand identity.

SEO Specialists: Optimize content to improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.

Performance Marketers: Analyze data to optimize campaigns and maximize ROI.

Combining these roles into one position may appear cost-effective but often leads to subpar results. Hyundai Motor America's recent restructuring of its marketing department into separate creative and performance divisions underscores the need for specialized focus areas to effectively address evolving consumer behaviors and market complexities. 

The Pitfalls of Overloading Social Media Managers

Overburdening SMMs with diverse responsibilities can lead to:

Burnout: The constant pressure to perform multiple high-skill tasks can lead to mental and physical exhaustion.

Decreased Productivity: Juggling numerous roles can dilute focus, resulting in decreased efficiency and effectiveness.

High Turnover: Unrealistic expectations contribute to job dissatisfaction, prompting talented individuals to leave.

A report highlighted that many social media managers face long hours and unrealistic expectations, leading to a high turnover rate in the industry. 

Investing in a Comprehensive Marketing Team

To achieve optimal results, businesses should consider building a diverse marketing team or partnering with specialized agencies. Agencies offer expertise across various domains and can provide scalable solutions tailored to specific business needs. Collaborating with a specialized marketing agency ensures that campaigns are not only creative but also strategically aligned with business objectives. 

Fair Compensation Reflects Value

It's concerning that some businesses expect SMMs to fulfill multiple roles for compensation as low as $300 per month. This undervaluation not only diminishes the profession but also discourages skilled professionals from pursuing or remaining in such roles. Investing appropriately in marketing talent ensures a win-win situation: businesses benefit from high-quality work, and professionals receive fair compensation for their expertise.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape, it's imperative for businesses to recognize the distinct roles within the field and allocate resources accordingly. By investing in specialized talent or partnering with dedicated agencies, companies can achieve more effective and sustainable marketing outcomes.

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.