Rep urges vloggers to base claims on facts during House hearing

A lawmaker expressed strong disapproval regarding social media vloggers' lack of factual basis in their posts, particularly concerning claims about extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration.

During a House hearing, Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano questioned content creator Mary Jean Quiambao Reyes after she declared the killings a 'massive hoax' without providing supporting documents.

Representative Bienvenido Abante, chair of the House human rights committee, urged vloggers to base their opinions on facts and documents, threatened to cite Reyes in contempt if she didn't apologize, and called for an end to spreading lies.

Reyes ultimately apologized and acknowledged the need to verify information before posting, stating she would seek documents under oath in the future.

Abante emphasized that apologies are not enough; vloggers must stop spreading misinformation and present the truth based on facts and evidence.

The House is set to begin an investigation into fake news and disinformation, with invitations extended to at least 40 social media personalities.

This incident highlights the growing concern over the spread of unverified information online and the potential impact on public perception.