Vloggers, influencers no-show at House probe, citing freedom of speech

A total of 40 social media influencers and vloggers were invited to a House Tri-Committee hearing to discuss regulations and a code of ethics for social media posts, but only three attended. The majority of invitees either declined or cited concerns over freedom of speech as their reason for non-attendance.

Lawmakers reviewed the excuse letters submitted by absent invitees but ultimately deemed them invalid. As a result, the panel moved to issue show cause orders to those who refused to participate, questioning their justification for not attending.

The House Tri-Committee, composed of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, the Committee on Public Information, and the Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), convened to address the growing concerns over disinformation and the role of social media personalities in shaping public discourse.

Among the topics discussed during the hearing was the alleged spread of disinformation on social media platforms, with fact-checking organizations have previously flagged several absent influencers for disseminating false, inaccurate, or misleading content.

Additionally, certain invitees denied accusations of being financially linked to offshore scam hubs, such as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), amid growing concerns over foreign influence in online discourse.

Rep. Johnny Pimentel, vice chair of the ICT committee, emphasized the significance of the investigation, stating, "This inquiry seeks to illuminate the dynamics at play between social media, fake news, and the public."

The House Tri-Committee aims to establish a regulatory framework to promote ethical standards in online content creation while safeguarding freedom of expression. However, the widespread refusal of influencers to engage in the discussion signals potential resistance to government intervention in digital spaces.