Parañaque City 2nd District Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan is urging the immediate passage of a bill imposing up to 12 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₱2 million on individuals who spread false information and fake news.
During a recent House Committee on Public Information deliberation, Yamsuan emphasized the need to protect Filipinos from deceptive information, noting that truth is the foundation of good governance.
He warned that fake news “can be weaponized to manipulate public opinion, create fear, and endanger the democratic process.”
“This is only one of the many reasons why I am advocating for the passage of this bill. The insightful comments and proposals presented during this hearing demonstrate our shared commitment to fight the growing threat of disinformation,” Yamsuan said, vice chairperson of the committee.
He also called for collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure the measure balances accountability with protection of freedoms of speech and expression.
Under House Bill No. 5241, proven purveyors of fake news face six to 12 years in prison and fines ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱2 million. Exempted are content labeled as satire, parody, editorial, or personal opinion not presented as factual.
Yamsuan added: “I have witnessed firsthand during my years of public service, particularly as the media and political affairs officer of the late Senate President Edgardo Angara and as head of Media Relations of the Office of the Press Secretary, how powerful and vital the media is. It serves as a bridge between the government and the Filipino people, helping them understand the priorities, programs, and efforts of the administration. And when that bridge stands on honest and unshakeable grounds, our democracy grows stronger.”
A technical working group has been formed to consolidate HB No. 5241 with 11 other similar proposals.