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The internet is a wild place. But lately, it’s getting even wilder—especially when it comes to social media, where fake news, deepfakes, and AI-generated content are spreading like wildfire. And according to House leaders, if we don’t do something about it soon, the consequences could be far more serious than just misleading memes and clickbait headlines.

From threats to national security to election manipulation, lawmakers are sounding the alarm: Social media needs regulation, and it needs it now.

Disinformation on Steroids

House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur isn’t mincing words. He warns that the spread of fake news is no longer just a political issue—it’s a full-blown crisis.

“What is so scary is they become bolder and bolder and more aggressive. No one is excused from all this peddling of lies and fake news,” Adiong said.

He even pointed out how the Supreme Court itself recently had to debunk a false report about a supposed temporary restraining order (TRO). If even the highest court in the land isn’t safe from disinformation, imagine the damage it could do to the rest of the government—or the public.

Adiong stressed that this isn’t about party politics anymore. The bigger concern is how social media could be used as a weapon to distort reality.

“If not regulated, baka hindi na tayo magka-intindihan,” he warned.

National Security at Risk

It’s not just elections and political reputations at stake—national security is on the line too.

Adiong raised concerns that without proper regulations, online platforms could be used to destabilize institutions, weaken democracy, and even threaten national safety.

“For me, what is so scary is pati ang national security issue natin may be compromised,” he said.

This is particularly alarming as artificial intelligence is making it easier than ever to spread false information. Deepfakes, AI-generated voices, and synthetic media are evolving at breakneck speed, making it harder to tell what’s real and what’s not.

House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union echoed this concern, pointing out that AI is already dominating social media—and it’s only going to get worse as the 2025 elections approach.

“So, I’m sure tataas pa po yan lalo ngayon na mag-e-election. Talagang mina-maximize po nila yung pagkalat ng fake news gamit po ang AI,” Ortega said.

Holding Social Media Figures Accountable

One big question that lawmakers are grappling with is whether social media influencers and vloggers should be held accountable for spreading disinformation.

Former PCO Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles and other social media personalities are under scrutiny for allegedly pushing misleading narratives, but Ortega clarified that it’s up to the House Tri-Committee leadership to decide if they will be subpoenaed or cited in contempt.

While no final decision has been made, it’s clear that Congress is starting to take the influence of social media content creators more seriously.

What’s Next?

The upcoming House Tri-Committee hearings will dig deeper into these concerns, particularly how AI-driven fake news is affecting public perception.

Adiong pointed out that even major political events, such as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, have been impacted by social media misinformation.

“The government should step in and regulate the proliferation of false information,” he emphasized.

Without proper guidelines, social media could continue to be used as a tool for deception—hurting not just the government but businesses, reputations, and even everyday life.

The big question now: How do we regulate social media without infringing on free speech? That’s the challenge lawmakers are trying to solve.

One thing’s for sure—doing nothing is no longer an option