President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. supports the passage of an anti-fake news bill but underscored the need for strong safeguards to protect freedom of speech, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President raised the issue during a recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting, where the proposed measure was listed among 21 priority bills targeted for passage by June.
“Ang sabi lamang po ng Pangulo noong nabanggit po ito ay dapat pong balansehin. Dahil nga po baka po masagasaan iyong freedom of expression. Dapat mai-define mabuti kung ano po iyong sinasabi nating fake news at disinformation,” Castro explained.
“Hindi po hahayaan ng Pangulo na masagasaan ang anumang freedom of expression/freedom of speech ng ating mga kababayan.”
The proposed anti-fake news measure is part of a broader legislative agenda that also includes the abolition of travel tax, stronger laws against online child abuse, the conduct of Bangsamoro elections, and the long-delayed anti-political dynasty bill.
On political dynasty reform, Malacañang said Marcos is keeping a neutral stance as Congress continues to hold nationwide consultations.