Written by Jaira Lou V. Batangan
Back in 2016, Rodrigo Duterte stormed onto the political scene, and his supporters flooded social media with dramatic content, painting him as the iron-fisted savior the nation desperately needed. Fast forward to 2022, and the election landscape shifted once more. Marcos Jr.’s campaign deftly wielded fake news to sway public sentiment, narratives that struck a chord with the Philippine electorate.
These campaigns were marked by a relentless barrage of misinformation with influencers, vloggers, and other social media personalities playing significant roles in shaping the outcome.
Enter the NBI, stepping in to address the rampant spread of fake news with precise maneuvers to achieve checkmate in the tactical realm of politics. Each deliberate action, whether tracing financial backers or uncovering coordinated disinformation strategies, is aimed at exposing the key players behind the deceptive campaigns.
After investigating key figures like Lorraine Badoy, who has been cited for contempt by the House for repeatedly ignoring the investigation, the probe has uncovered allegations of Chinese funding for pro-Beijing narratives and fake news campaigns against pro-West Philippine Sea lawmakers, involving a Makati-based marketing firm. This adds complexity to the probe, highlighting its international dimensions. The NBI even plans to collaborate with Interpol to address jurisdictional challenges posed by overseas-based fake news peddlers. The probe may also lead to stricter social media regulations and tougher penalties for misinformation, with lawmakers considering cyber law amendments to combat AI-generated content and protect democratic integrity.
Hope is in the air. The NBI’s proactive stance and potential reforms signal a collective effort to combat disinformation and ensure fair, transparent elections. As the nation progresses, there’s optimism for a more informed and engaged electorate, free from the shadows of fake news.
THE BARRISTER 