Palace backs curbing of fake news

MANILA, Philippines - The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) supports a congressional probe on the proliferation of fake news but believes that the government should not regulate media.

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said it is important to distinguish between legitimate media organizations and fake news sites that peddle false information. 

“The problem with fake news is about determining the fake organizations and the bona fide media organizations. That is what we should do first. Once we identify them, let us look at the cause,” Andanar told radio dzBB yesterday. 

“I support calls in the Senate and Congress to conduct a hearing in aid of legislation on fake news,” he added.

Andanar noted that it is possible that the relaying of inaccurate information was unintentional. 

“If it is an inaccurate information from legitimate media organization, perhaps the reason is shortcoming in the workflow and procedure. Definitely, it is not intentional,” he said. 

Asked if he thinks a law is needed to curb fake news, Andanar said: “Well, it depends. Of course, it will be crafted by the Senate and Congress. What is important is identify first the fake and the legitimate.” 

Andanar, a former news reader for TV5, said the media should remain free from government regulation. 

“The media is self-regulated. We are not covered by the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission). It is just right that we are not covered by PRC. Freedom of expression and freedom of the press should not be regulated by the government,” he added. 

Earlier, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of the Duterte administration, called for an inquiry on the proliferation of fake news in the internet.