At least 39 online content creators and influencers did not attend the House investigation on the proliferation of fake news online on Tuesday, citing their right to freedom of speech. Among those absent were notable figures such as Jose Yumang Sonza, Krizette Lauretta Chu, Mark Anthony Lopez, Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot, and MJ Quiambao Reyes, among others. Some of the absentees indicated that they were out of the country, while others chose not to participate in the hearing.
The investigation, which aimed to address the increasing spread of fake news, was met with resistance from those who failed to attend. The absentees argued that their right to free speech should not be curtailed and questioned the legitimacy and goals of the inquiry. These concerns were echoed by the few content creators who did attend, including Malou Tiquia, Mark Louie Gamboa, and Atty. Enzo Recto. They raised doubts about the purpose of the probe, suggesting that it may undermine their freedoms.
Rep. Stephen Paduano of the Abang Lingkod party list, however, dismissed the excuse letters submitted by the absentees, stating that these letters did not constitute a valid excuse. He argued that each absence should be evaluated based on its reason, prompting a motion to issue show cause orders to those who did not provide acceptable justifications or failed to respond to the House invitation. A show cause order requires individuals to explain in writing why they should not be cited for contempt due to their failure to attend the hearing.
The motion was approved by the committee, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the investigation. Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, whose privileged speech about fake news sparked the inquiry, reassured the public that the goal of the investigation was not to infringe upon free speech. “We are gathered here today not to silence voices, suppress free speech, or curtail the constitutional right to freedom of expression,” Barbers stated. Instead, the investigation seeks to draw a clear line between responsible discourse and the intentional abuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation.
Barbers further explained that the hearing aimed to establish a regulatory framework for social media, similar to how the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) oversees television and radio broadcasters, and how the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) upholds ethical standards for print media. The ultimate goal is to create a code of conduct for content creators to ensure accountability and ethical responsibility in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The investigation raised key questions about the role of digital platforms in shaping public opinion, and whether stricter regulations are needed to combat the spread of false information. The hearing continues to provoke debate over the balance between freedom of expression and the need for responsible digital communication.
Those who did not show up were:
Jose Yumang Sonza
Krizette Lauretta Chu
Mark Anthony Lopez
Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot
MJ Quiambao Reyes
Vivian Zapata Rodriguez
Ethel Pineda
Lorraine Marie Tablang Badoy-Partosa
Jeffrey Almendras Celiz
Lord Byron Cristobal (Banat By)
Alex Destor (Tio Moreno)
Aaron Peña (Old School Pinoy)
Glenn Chong
Manuel Mata Jr. (Kokolokoy)
Elizabeth Joie Cruz (Joie De Vivre)
Claro Ganac
Claire Eden Contreras (Maharlika Boldyakera)
Jonathan Morales
Cyrus Preglo (Optics Politics)
Maricar Serrano
Ernesto Abines Jr. (Jun Abines)
Atty. Trixie Cruz Angeles
Julius Melanosi Maui (Maui Spencer)
Darwin Salceda (Boss Dada TV)
Elmer Jugalbot (Eb Jugalbot)
Cathy Binag
MJ Mondejar
Suzanne Batalla (IamShanwein)
Joe Smith Medina (Political Witch Boy)
Jeffrey Cruz (JCCO / JJ Cruz)
Alven Montero
Kester Ramon
John Balibalos Tan (Mr Realtalker)
Edwin Jamora (Reyna Elena)
Ma/ Florinda Espenilla-Duque (Pebbles Duque)
Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata (Dr. Richard and Erika Mata)
Ahmed Paglinawan (Luminous by Trixie & Ahmed)
Ryan Lingo
Ross Flores Del Rosario (Wazzup Philippines).