Photo credit: Senator Bong Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has once again stressed the importance of protecting freedom of speech and expression, calling it the true essence of democracy. He particularly voiced his support for bloggers and social media influencers, recognizing their role in amplifying public concerns and shaping national conversations.

“Ang mga bloggers at social media influencers ay may mahalagang papel sa lipunan. Sila ang boses ng taumbayan. Dapat silang suportahan, hindi patahimikin, basta doon lang tayo sa kung ano ang totoo,” Go stated.

The senator’s comments come amid ongoing discussions on disinformation and accountability in digital platforms. He firmly believes that people should be free to express their views, question policies, and critique public officials—so long as their statements are based on truth.

“Ang demokrasya ay buhay dahil may kalayaan tayong magsalita. Kaya’t suportado ko ang paggamit ng social media sa layuning magpahayag, magtanong, at magbigay-liwanag sa mga isyu,” he added.

Congress Weighs In on Social Media Regulation

At the same time, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers clarified that the House Tricom inquiry into fake news and malicious online content is not an attempt to suppress free speech. Instead, he emphasized that lawmakers are looking to establish best practices to prevent the spread of misinformation.

“We respect everyone’s right to express their opinions. Contrary to what others may think, this inquiry is not a tool to silence people, whether their views are political, economic, or otherwise,” Barbers said.

Barbers assured vloggers that Congress is not trying to curb criticism, even against lawmakers themselves.

“You can hit us 24/7, seven days a week, and that’s fine. But be careful with what you post because if it turns out to be false, there are laws that can hold people accountable,” he warned.

The inquiry seeks to align legislative measures with constitutional guarantees on free speech while addressing gaps in existing laws, such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. It also aims to enhance transparency on social media platforms and explore safeguards against harmful content.

Striking a Balance Between Free Speech and Responsibility

Go, while a staunch supporter of digital content creators, echoed the need for responsible online discourse. He encouraged bloggers and influencers to continue sharing their perspectives while ensuring accuracy and integrity in their content.

"Sa mga bloggers, huwag kayong titigil sa pagpapahayag ng totoo. Kayo ang tulay ng impormasyon sa marami nating kababayan. Sa inyong mga boses, mas napapalapit ang pamahalaan sa tao,” he said.

Both lawmakers agree that free expression should not be compromised but must come with accountability. As discussions on digital regulations continue, the challenge remains: How can we safeguard freedom of speech while preventing misinformation from undermining public trust?