House to subpoena 3 pro-Dutere netizens for fake news hearing

The House of Representatives will issue subpoenas to three pro-Duterte social media personalities—Lorraine Badoy, Sass Sasot, and Jeffrey Celiz—who failed to attend a hearing on fake news despite receiving show-cause orders.

Only 10 out of the 34 invited social media personalities attended the Friday hearing.

Surigao Del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel stated that non-compliance with show-cause orders compels the committee to issue subpoenas, and failure to attend a scheduled April 8 hearing may result in contempt citations.

Former press secretary and social media personality Trixie Cruz-Angeles defended their absence, citing technical issues and Badoy's travel constraints; however, Pimentel clarified that Zoom meetings were exclusive for House members.

Several social media personalities, including Badoy, have sought a Supreme Court temporary restraining order on the hearing, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to free speech, but the High Court has yet to act on their petition.