House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos said journalists and legitimate media organizations will have a role in strengthening safeguards under the proposed Digital Media Anti-False Information Act to ensure the measure will not be used to restrict press freedom.
Marcos gave the assurance on Monday following concerns that the House-approved bill could be used to suppress legitimate reporting, dissent, or criticism.
He said protecting the work of journalists remains essential in maintaining checks and balances in government.
“Those concerns are actually very valid, and I understand that it might be misconstrued as something to do with censorship or using the bill to weaponize the media,” Marcos said.
The proposed measure seeks to address the spread of false information online, which lawmakers have identified as a challenge to public safety, democratic institutions, and informed public discussions.
Marcos said concerns raised by media groups and other sectors should be addressed by adding stronger protections to the bill rather than abandoning the proposal.
He encouraged journalists and media organizations to participate in the Senate deliberations and amendment process to help ensure adequate safeguards are included.
“I think what’s important is to have necessary media participation in order for those safeguards to at least, if not there already, at least be introduced either in the Senate version or during the period of amendments,” he said.
The House majority leader said the goal of the measure is to address online misinformation while protecting the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and press freedom.
“We are not here to censor anyone,” Marcos said.
The bill is expected to undergo review by the Senate after securing approval from the House of Representatives.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
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