House lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at curbing disinformation by penalizing troll farms and political candidates found engaging in smear campaigns with fines of up to P10 million and jail terms of up to 12 years.

House Bill 11178, titled the Anti-Troll Farm and Election Disinformation Act, seeks to address the growing threat of organized disinformation networks that undermine democracy and taint the electoral process.

The bill, authored by Rep. Margarita Nograles-Almario and Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, emphasizes the need for transparency and truth in elections.

“By making troll farms and election-related disinformation punishable by law, we are taking a stand for truth, fairness, and democracy,” the bill states.

Rep. Almario underscored the societal damage caused by disinformation, noting its polarizing effects and the erosion of public trust in institutions.

“Without trust, democracy cannot function effectively, and this bill is a step toward healing the damage caused by disinformation,” he said.

The bill tasks the Commission on Elections to work with agencies such as the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, National Bureau of Investigation and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to monitor troll farms.

It mandates the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Information and Communications Technology to spearhead awareness campaigns promoting critical thinking and responsible online behavior among voters.