House leaders are calling for a thorough investigation in the upcoming Tri-Committee (Tri Comm) hearing into alleged Chinese-backed disinformation campaigns on social media, particularly their links to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute and political propaganda benefiting certain individuals in the country.
1RIDER Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, a member of the 11-man House prosecution panel against Vice President Sara Duterte, revealed that concerns over misinformation linked to Chinese-backed accounts were raised during previous hearings.
“Nabanggit po ito by one of the resource persons, I think it was PressOnePH, na there was a link between misinformation and allegedly Chinese-owned accounts, Chinese backing,” Gutierrez stated.
He emphasized the urgent need to examine how paid social media personalities and influencers amplify these narratives, warning that foreign entities must not be allowed to manipulate public perception.
“I think another issue that we have to discuss thoroughly sa Tri Comm is yung commercialization po ng bloggers. Freedom of speech, understandable po ‘yun. It’s the right of everyone,” he said.
“Pero pag binibenta mo na po ‘yung iyong salita para sa salapi—if you are selling your opinion to the highest bidder, and if that highest bidder is a foreign entity—there should be limitations and punitive actions,” he added.
Disinformation as a Threat to National Security
House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong underscored the gravity of the disinformation network, especially as the nation approaches the 2025 elections.
“We need to regulate this dissemination of malinformation and disinformation,” Adiong said, stressing that propaganda-driven falsehoods erode democracy and undermine national security.
The House Tri Comm probe has revealed that disinformation networks actively manipulate online discourse to mislead the public. Gutierrez expressed concern over how fake news has become normalized in the country.
“Masyadong nasanay po ‘yung tao sa fake news. Nasanay na po tayo sa hyperbole. Nasanay na po tayo sa pagbibiro. We can’t take anything seriously anymore,” he lamented.
China-Linked Social Media Accounts Exposed
During the last Tri Comm hearing, investigative news outlet PressOne.PH presented findings on a large-scale disinformation campaign allegedly fueled by Chinese-controlled social media accounts.
Their investigation uncovered over 107 fake X (formerly Twitter) accounts with Chinese names. These accounts, originally created for Spanish-speaking audiences, have been repurposed to spread falsehoods about the WPS issue and promote pro-Duterte propaganda.
Accountability for Social Media Influencers
With several social media influencers previously refusing to attend Tri Comm hearings, Adiong warned that the House committee may escalate its legal actions.
“If there’s no valid reason for their absence again this time, baka umakyat na ’yan sa show-cause order and then baka i-subpoena na sila,” he stated.
The refusal of these influencers to cooperate has fueled suspicions that they are deliberately evading accountability. Some have even petitioned the Supreme Court to challenge the Tri Comm probe, a move Gutierrez dismissed as an attempt to dodge scrutiny.
“Wala pa nga, I think, justiciable action. There’s no cause of action. Pumunta na agad sa SC. Invitation pa lang po, tumakbo na sa SC,” he said.
Adiong reaffirmed that legislative inquiries in aid of legislation fall fully within Congress’ powers, including the authority to issue subpoenas.
“It’s part talaga ’yan ng rules po ng bawat inquiry in aid of legislation. May power po ng subpoena,” he asserted.
Stronger Regulations Against Foreign Disinformation
Amid growing concerns over foreign interference in online discourse, lawmakers are exploring stronger regulations to hold those involved accountable.
Gutierrez stressed that while freedom of speech must be protected, it is not absolute—especially when false narratives threaten national security.
“We have to be accountable for our words,” he said.
Adiong echoed this sentiment, reminding individuals that rights come with responsibilities.
“You have the right to say… but it does not mean that you can do whatever you want with that kind of right,” he warned.
As the Tri Comm investigation resumes on Tuesday, lawmakers are determined to ensure that foreign-backed disinformation does not undermine Philippine democracy, particularly as the nation faces serious national security threats in the WPS.