JV Ejercito urges PCO to combat fake news on social media
September 18, 2023
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday
said that the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) should put extra effort
in devising strategies to effectively disseminate information and combat the
issue of fake news in the country.
During a budget hearing held by the Senate
Committee on Finance on Monday, the Senate approved the proposed P1.921 billion
budget of the PCO, its attached agencies and government-owned and controlled
corporations (GOCCs) for fiscal year 2024, which will now be presented to the
plenary for further deliberation.
Ejercito urged the government’s information
and communication arm to allocate resources for individuals dedicated to
combating fake news on social media.
“We need to get more employees for content
creation. We need to disseminate information regarding the accomplishment of
the President and the administration,” Ejercito said.
“That’s why we are also asking questions on
how we can augment and support in case your needs po,” he added.
The lawmaker from San Juan said addressing the
issue of proliferation of fake news is “quite challenging” as it is difficult
to hold mainstream media accountable.
“It's truly challenging because the ease of
manipulation with pictures, photos, and Photoshop on social media makes it easy
for people to believe things instantly. Some even resort to clickbait tactics,
using whatever's eye-catching. This has to be addressed,” he said in Filipino.
PCO Usec. Emerald Ridao noted that a study
conducted by the agency revealed that nine out of 10 Filipinos are affected by
misinformation and disinformation, indicating that it's a significant issue in
the society.
According to the same survey, the PCO official
pointed out that the youth are currently the most vulnerable demographic, as
they are more frequently online and make extensive use of digital devices.
“What we have done is that we have addressed
this problem starting from the more vulnerable sectors moving on to the rest of
society po,” Ridao explained.
She added that the PCO plans to expand its
efforts in the coming years to reach out-of-school youth and other vulnerable
demographics, including senior citizens.
Ejercito believes that the government should
invest in the field of information and journalism.
“Napakahalaga po ng information sa panahon
natin ngayon sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Sa porma man ito ng
telebisyon, radio, print o ang pinakasikat at marahil ay pinakamaraming
gumagamit ngayon na social media. Tunay nga po na “information at our
fingertips,” Ejercito said.
“Inaaasahan
natin ang Presidential Communications Office na pangunahan ang paglulunsad ng
mga kampanya na magsisiguro na tama at hindi pawing kasinungalingalingan ang
mga balita at impormasyon na ating natatanggap,” he added.
