01/01/2025
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House Resolution No. 2147 — A Trojan Horse Against Filipino Freedoms
By OPTIC Politics | Editorial
December 30, 2024
The Filipino people must stand vigilant as another veiled assault on democracy emerges from the halls of Congress. House Resolution No. 2147, introduced under the pretense of addressing “false and malicious content” on social media, is a dangerous piece of political theater that seeks to curtail the constitutional rights of Filipinos. Cloaked in the rhetoric of safeguarding digital safety and public order, this resolution is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt by its proponents to arrogate greater control over the flow of information and the freedom of expression in our country.
The Arrogance of the Resolution’s Premise
The resolution, authored by Representatives Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales, Jr., David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez, Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, and others, reeks of arrogance. It assumes the power to define what is “false” and “malicious,” wielding subjective interpretations as a potential weapon against critics and independent voices. While invoking the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175), which already criminalizes cyber libel and online fraud, the resolution redundantly calls for a “joint inquiry” to investigate social media content. Why, then, the need for additional legislation if not to further suppress dissent and control narratives that challenge those in power?
The resolution states that social media has allowed the dissemination of misleading content, erosion of trust in institutions, and disruption of public discourse. But it conveniently ignores the fact that much of this erosion stems from the failure of institutions themselves to act transparently and honestly. The government must first look inward before pointing fingers at ordinary citizens and journalists who seek accountability through digital platforms.
Freedom of Speech: The Real Target
Despite its perfunctory mention of “safeguarding freedom of speech,” House Resolution No. 2147 is a dagger aimed at the heart of free expression. Its vague and sweeping terms — “false” and “malicious” — are ripe for abuse, granting the state the power to arbitrarily decide which opinions or pieces of information are legitimate. In practice, this opens the door to silencing dissent, penalizing whistleblowers, and shutting down independent media. It empowers government-aligned institutions to act as both judge and jury over the digital sphere, effectively quashing any criticism of their actions.
This is not about misinformation. It is about control. By branding critical voices as purveyors of “false content,” this resolution enables the persecution of opposition figures, activists, and truth-tellers.
Existing Laws Render This Resolution Redundant
The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 already addresses the issues of online libel, cyber fraud, and identity theft. If there is indeed a rise in the dissemination of harmful content, then the solution lies in strengthening the enforcement of existing laws rather than crafting redundant and politically charged legislation.
Furthermore, the Philippines already has mechanisms in place to prosecute those who cause real harm through online platforms. What this resolution seeks is not justice but an expansion of state control — a move to blur the line between legitimate content moderation and outright censorship.
A Distraction from Urgent National Crises
The proponents of this resolution would have us believe that the rampant spread of “false and malicious” content on social media is a crisis of national proportions. Yet, their priorities betray the real crises facing the Filipino people — the soaring cost of living, worsening inequality, rice smuggling, and territorial violations in the West Philippine Sea.
Where is Congress’s sense of urgency in tackling these pressing concerns? Why focus legislative resources on regulating Facebook posts and TikTok videos instead of addressing food security, inflation, and job creation? It is clear: House Resolution No. 2147 is a smokescreen, a deliberate diversion from the administration’s glaring failures.
Protecting Democracy, Not Silencing It
Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, no matter how inconvenient they may be to those in power. Social media has become a lifeline for millions of Filipinos to voice their opinions, hold leaders accountable, and share information that traditional channels often overlook. House Resolution No. 2147 threatens to sever that lifeline under the guise of protecting the public from “false and malicious content.”
What the government should be doing instead is promoting digital literacy, encouraging fact-checking initiatives, and strengthening independent journalism. Rather than controlling the narrative, it must empower citizens to discern truth from falsehood.
An Urgent Appeal
Filipinos must reject this resolution and the dangerous precedent it seeks to set. It is not a tool for public order and safety but a weapon aimed at the very freedoms that define our democracy. We must demand transparency and accountability from our leaders — not control over what we can see, say, or share online.
House Resolution No. 2147 is an affront to the Filipino people’s right to freedom of expression and access to information. It is an act of legislative overreach that must be dismantled before it dismantles the very foundation of our democracy. Let this resolution serve as a reminder that the greatest threat to freedom often comes disguised as its protector.
