"5 Valuable Takeaways from Pro-Duterte Bloggers' Absence at House Hearing on Fake News and Disinformation

5 Valuable Takeaways from Pro-Duterte Bloggers' Absence at House Hearing on Fake News and Disinformation

The recent hearing on fake news and disinformation in the Philippine House of Representatives presented an opportunity for pro-Duterte bloggers to engage with lawmakers, experts, and social media influencers. However, their decision to snub the invitation offers valuable lessons that warrant attention.

Lesson 1 The Importance of Respect for Congressional Authority
The hearing was not just a discussion on social media, but also highlighted the role of Congress in regulating misinformation. By declining the invitation, pro-Duterte bloggers demonstrated a lack of respect for congressional authority and its responsibility to address pressing issues like fake news and disinformation.

Lesson 2 The Urgent Need for Media Literacy Education
Professor Rachel Khan emphasized the importance of media literacy education from an early age. This underscores the need for comprehensive media literacy programs that equip children with the skills to critically evaluate information and identify credible sources.

Lesson 3 Establishing Ethical Standards on Social Media is Crucial
Ellen Tordesillas, founder of Vera Files, stressed the necessity of ethical standards on social media use. By promoting truth, respect, and responsible online interactions, we can create a more positive and respectful digital environment that fosters constructive dialogue.

Lesson 4 Acknowledging the Problem is the First Step to Solving It
By declining the invitation or providing no justification for their absence, some pro-Duterte bloggers showed a lack of responsibility in addressing the issue of fake news and disinformation. This failure to acknowledge the problem only perpetuates its existence.

Lesson 5 Collaboration is Key to Combating Misinformation
The hearing highlighted the importance of collaboration between lawmakers, social media influencers, and experts to develop effective policies that promote truth and respect online. By working together, we can create a more informed and responsible digital community that values facts over fiction.

These lessons offer valuable insights into the role individuals, bloggers, and policymakers must play in addressing fake news and disinformation. It is essential that we take these lessons to heart and work towards creating a more truthful and respectful online environment.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.