Rep. Rodriguez files bill to criminalize fake news

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has filed House Bill No. 11506, aiming to criminalize the dissemination of false information that jeopardizes public order or national security.

The proposed legislation seeks to define fake news precisely, requiring proof of malicious intent and actual or probable public harm to withstand constitutional challenges.

Rodriguez stressed that the bill respects freedom of speech, press, and expression, as guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution, but noted these rights are not absolute.

He warned that the unchecked spread of online falsehoods, including AI-generated deepfakes and coordinated disinformation campaigns, has emerged as a serious threat to democracy and national stability.

House Bill No. 11506 proposes prison terms ranging from 6 to 12 years and fines between P500,000 and P2 million for anyone found guilty of knowingly and maliciously disseminating false information.

Rodriguez believes existing laws are insufficient to combat the escalating impact of malicious information, especially online.