Rep Paduano warns resource persons against insulting House probe on misinformation

A lawmaker warned on Monday that resource persons in the House Tri-Comm probe on misinformation could face contempt charges if they insult or attack the inquiry.

Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod party-list reminded that Section 11 of their internal rules prohibits such behavior, citing a previous case where a radio blocktimer was cited for contempt.

Paduano emphasized during the hearing that social media personalities should verify sources before posting opinions and highlighted the need for legislation to address fake news without impeding freedom of speech.

The committee also approved Paduano's motion to issue a subpoena ad testificandum to 24 vloggers and influencers who failed to attend the hearing despite receiving show-cause orders, with hearings tentatively set for April 8.

Among those named were former NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lorraine Badoy and vloggers Jeffrey 'Ka Eric' Celiz and Allan Troy 'Sass' Rogando Sasot, along with other prominent figures in the online community.