Admin candidates push anti-fake news laws

Senatorial candidates from the administration slate Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are supporting legislation to combat fake news ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III reiterated his intention to file an 'anti-fake news' and 'anti-fake content' bill as a priority measure if he returns to the Senate.

Senator Francis Tolentino expressed support for initiatives that promote responsible journalism while upholding freedom of expression, stating that fake news can undermine truth.

ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo emphasized the need for legislation against fake news and called for penalties not just for those who produce but also share false content.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay proposed strengthening law enforcers' capabilities to combat fake news, noting that even scammers are harder to trace than creators of fake content.

Former interior secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. echoed Binay's proposal and called for the training of non-uniformed personnel in technology to enhance enforcement efforts.