PCO backs creation of social media watchdog

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) supports the proposed creation of a regulatory body for social media to combat fake news.

In a Palace press briefing on Monday, March 3, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized the urgency of such a body.

“Sa tingin po natin, ang pagkakaroon ng regulatory body, separate na regulatory body for the social media ,ay napapanahon para maiwasan iyong mga pang-aabuso,” she added.

Castro also raised the need to work with Congress to fast-track the passage of laws against troll armies and fake news.

“Dapat makipag-ugnayan din po tayo, makipagtulungan tayo sa mga mambabatas sa Kongreso kasi sila din naman ang gagawa ng batas dito,” according to her.

The PCO official assured that legally backed opinions, including valid criticism, will be respected as part of free speech. However, unverified claims and abusive language should not be tolerated.

“Ang pipigilan lang po natin ay (ang pang aabuso) dahil po mayroon po itong effect sa taong maaaring siraan, mga organisasyon, ahensiya na maaaring siraan na walang basehan,” said Castro.IMT