Dy calls for truth as House pushes anti-disinfo, social media bills

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. PHOTO BY NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday warned of the growing risks of unregulated social media use amid the proliferation of false information online. In his opening remarks to lawmakers, Dy called on Filipinos to push back against disinformation, saying its unchecked spread threatens to erode democracy. “Let us not allow the noise of social media to shape our beliefs,” he said in Filipino. “Let us uphold truth over fake news, understanding over anger, and unity over division.” Article continues after this advertisement READ: House approves anti-fake news bill on final reading Dy also said the lower chamber had passed a bill penalizing those who circulate false information online to curb disinformation. The House is also pushing for a bill prohibiting those under 13 from accessing digital platforms to bolster such efforts, he added. “We are requesting that this proposal also be included in the Ledac (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) priority bills so it can be enacted at the soonest possible time,” Dy said. /mcm Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.