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Lawmakers and policy experts are being urged to strengthen media and information literacy efforts as disinformation continues to outpace proposed social media regulations in the Philippines.
During a multi-sector forum at the Far Eastern University in Manila, stakeholders said legislative measures alone may not be enough to address the rapid spread of false information online, pointing instead to education as a critical long-term response.
“Congress cannot catch up with what’s happening on the ground. This field cannot be regulated by law alone,” said Representative Nathaniel “Nat” Oducado, referring to ongoing proposals in Congress tackling disinformation, artificial intelligence, and platform accountability.
Participants emphasized that beyond regulation, developing critical thinking among Filipinos is key to slowing the spread of misleading content.
Before sharing information online, users must be encouraged “to first think,” Oducado said, underscoring the role of individual responsibility.
Experts noted that disinformation thrives not only because of bad actors, but also due to gaps in digital literacy and platform-driven incentives that reward engagement over accuracy.
“Disinformation—it’s not just about content; it’s a system,” said policy researcher Kankan Ramos, adding that responses must include education, platform design reforms, and cross-sector coordination.
Balancing regulation, rights
At the same time, experts warned that rushing legislation without clear definitions could create risks for free expression.
“Fake news is extraordinarily difficult to define. Vague definitions invite selective enforcement,” said lawyer Mark Goriceta.
This concern was echoed by civil society groups, which stressed that any regulatory framework must remain rights-based and inclusive.
“The question is not simply whether we regulate disinformation, but how, for whom, and at what cost,” said Cristina Lopez of the Foundation for Media Alternatives, cautioning against policies that could be used to silence dissent.
Journalist and professor Yvonne Chua said the challenge of “information disorder” cuts across multiple sectors, including education, media, politics, and culture—making isolated solutions ineffective.
Stakeholders agreed that addressing the issue will require coordinated efforts from government, technology platforms, educators, and the public.
This includes integrating media literacy more deeply into the education system, alongside policy reforms and platform accountability measures.
Despite a growing number of proposals in Congress, participants said there is no single solution to disinformation.
Instead, they called for a combination of legislation, education, and systemic reforms to better equip Filipinos to navigate the digital space.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” the group said, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration.—LDF, GMA News
