Philippines urged to protect rights in fake news crackdown

In the Philippines, concerns are rising over fake news, especially after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11. This has led to calls for better protection of free speech rights, particularly concerning online content. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Senate President Francis Escudero have warned against government actions that might limit free expression, which could be seen as censorship. The CHR responded to the arrest of a content creator who allegedly posted false information about current President Marcos. They emphasized that law enforcement should be careful not to infringe on individuals' freedom of expression. According to the 1987 Constitution, restrictions on speech and press are not allowed unless they meet specific legal standards. On March 20, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Wendelyn Magalso, a 30-year-old content creator, for allegedly spreading fake news. Some lawmakers supported this action, saying content creators should be held accountable for spreading lies and misinformation. Following this arrest, a committee in the House of Representatives continued to investigate fake news, hearing from online personalities. Three of these individuals apologized for sharing false information, but some committee members felt more accountability was needed. The CHR expressed serious concerns about law enforcement monitoring online creators, warning that this could deter freedom of expression. They stated that prosecutors should not misapply laws in a way that restricts legitimate speech. Legal experts, including Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, emphasized that freedom of expression should be based on factual information, while Senate President Escudero noted that opinions should not be censored. The NBI director commented that they are investigating the sources supporting vloggers who spread disinformation. Overall, there is a strong call for balance between fighting fake news and respecting citizens' rights to free speech.