The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced a crackdown on vloggers and online trolls disseminating false information and fake news across social media and other online platforms. During a press forum in Manila, NBI Director Jaime Santiago expressed concern over the escalating online attacks targeting individuals, prompting the agency’s cybercrime unit to take decisive action.
“We respect freedom of speech and expression, but these do not give anyone the right to fabricate stories,” Santiago stated in Filipino. He emphasized that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it carries inherent responsibilities and limitations, especially when it infringes upon the rights of others or threatens public order.
Among those under investigation is Maharlika, a US-based vlogger, who may face charges for violations of the Anti-Cybercrime Law and inciting to sedition. Santiago indicated that cases against identified individuals, including Maharlika, would be filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the coming days or weeks. The NBI is also scrutinizing social media posts linked to former presidential spokesman Harry Roque that appear to encourage a “people power” movement. Santiago challenged Roque, stating that if he was advocating for such action, he should return to the Philippines to lead it himself.
The NBI chief issued a stern warning to those involved in spreading fake news: “They should stop now before they get arrested and start crying about freedom of expression or freedom of the press,” he asserted, underscoring that “those rights are not absolute; they have limitations.” Santiago highlighted that cases have already been filed against certain individuals, cautioning that arrests could occur at any time. “When you cross the line, when your statements become libelous, when you spread lies that create unrest in the country—that is inciting to sedition,” he explained.
To combat the proliferation of fake news, the NBI plans to collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Santiago expressed concern that the public is increasingly unable to distinguish between real and fake news, highlighting the urgency of addressing disinformation.
The issue of fake news has been a growing concern in the Philippines. In recent years, studies have revealed that political campaigns have utilized organized networks of trolls and fake accounts to manipulate public opinion. For instance, a study from Oxford University’s Computational Propaganda Research Project estimated that $200,000 was spent in 2016 to hire trolls who spread propaganda and targeted opposition figures. These tactics have contributed to a climate where disinformation can influence public perception and electoral outcomes.
In response to these challenges, lawmakers have initiated legislative inquiries into online disinformation and cybercrimes. In February 2025, three committees of the House of Representatives—Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information—began holding hearings on these issues. Over 40 Filipino content creators were invited to attend, reflecting the legislature’s commitment to addressing the spread of fake news. During the first hearing, investigative news outlet PressOne.ph shared findings of over 100 accounts with Chinese names supporting certain political figures, suggesting coordinated disinformation efforts.
The NBI’s recent actions align with broader efforts to uphold the integrity of information in the digital landscape. By holding individuals accountable for spreading false information, the agency aims to deter the dissemination of fake news and protect the public from the harmful effects of disinformation. As Santiago noted, the collaboration between the NBI, DICT, and NTC is crucial in restoring public trust in legitimate news sources and ensuring that the digital space is not exploited to mislead or harm the public.
As the investigations proceed, the NBI’s commitment to enforcing existing laws against cybercrime and sedition serves as a reminder that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to actions that harm others or destabilize society. The agency’s proactive stance reflects a broader societal need to address the challenges posed by fake news in the digital age.