Comedy Writer's Joke Theft Accusation Backfires, Leads to Legal Threat and Public Apology

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a development that highlights the serious implications of social media accusations, comedy writer Chito Francisco has issued a public apology to fellow writer Alex Calleja over claims of joke theft, while Calleja's legal team has responded with a stern warning about cyberlibel.

The controversy centered around a car wash joke, which Francisco had accused Calleja of stealing. However, according to the documents, Calleja had evidence showing he had written the joke first. The situation escalated when Francisco's accusations went viral on social media, reportedly leading to public backlash against Calleja.

In his public apology, Francisco expressed deep regret, acknowledging that his comments had caused "undue harm" to Calleja, whom he described as "a gentle soul." The statement detailed how the viral nature of these accusations on social media had negatively impacted Calleja's personal and professional life, including damage to his credibility and career.

The apology was particularly notable for its comprehensive nature, with Francisco stating, "I was wrong in accusing Alex of stealing a joke he wrote." He also called on other bloggers and social media users who had shared his false statements to take them down and help minimize the damage.

However, the situation took a legal turn when Calleja Law Office, representing Alex Calleja, issued an official statement and warning to the public on February 15, 2025. The law firm cited Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Act, which addresses libel committed through digital means. The statement served as a clear warning that any future defamatory statements about Calleja would be met with legal action, including potential criminal prosecution.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how social media accusations can have serious real-world consequences, both for the accused and the accuser. It also highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding online defamation and the increasing willingness of parties to pursue legal remedies for cyberlibel.

The case underscores the importance of verification before making public accusations, particularly in the comedy industry where joke theft allegations can significantly impact a performer's reputation and livelihood.

Fake News Probe Intensifies: Congress Cracks Down as Second Hearing Looms!

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!

KWF at CHR, Nagpulong hinggil sa Filipino Sign Language (FSL)

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Nagpúlong ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao (CHR) hinggil sa mga programang maaaring gawin kaugnay sa R.A. 11106, The Filipino Sign Language Act.

Kasáma sa púlong ni Tagapangulong Arthur P. Casanova ang mga opisyal ng Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao na sina Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-Latoc at Asec Atty. Amifaith Reyes, Commissioner of the focal area for Persons with Disabilities. 

Inilatag ng KWF ang sumusunod ngunit hindi limitado sa proyekto, polisiya, at International Day of Sign Languages ng ahensiya hinggil sa FSL.

Kasama sa mga paksang napag-usapan sa púlong ay ang pagkakaroon ng plantilla position para sa mga FSL interpreter sa darating na panahon/ at mga hámon sa usapin ng Civil Service Exam para sa mga FSL interpreter partikular ang language barrier. Ang usapin ng language barrier ng mga bingi sa Civil Service Exam ay idudulog ng KWF sa CSC upang mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang mga bingi.

Dumalo rin sina Lourdes Zorilla-Hinampas, Punò ng KWF Sangay ng Lingguwistika at Aplikadong Lingguwistika (SLAL), Earvin Pelagio, Focal Person ng KWF Yunit ng FSL, Aimee Bechaida, Executive Assistant (EA) ng Tagapangulo, at Lovely Batta, Administrative Assistant (AA) sa opisina ng Tagapangulo ng KWF. 

Ang RA 11106 ay nagtakda sa KWF bilang tanggapang magsasagawa, mag-uugnay, at magtataguyod ng Filipino Sign Language (FSL) bilang pambansa at opisyal na wikang senyas.