Presidential Communications Office (PCO) chief Jay Ruiz has called for the passage of a Digital Services Act, patterned after the European Union’s regulatory framework, to counter the spread of harmful online content — particularly if social media platforms fail to self-regulate.

Speaking during a House panel hearing on the proliferation of false information online, Ruiz pointed to the slow response of major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, noting that the absence of their physical offices in the Philippines hinders swift action on content takedown requests.

“We should concentrate a regulation on the platform. Platforms like Meta, TikTok, YouTube are foreign platforms. They do not have a base here. When you complain that these posts be taken down, it will take a long time,” he said.

Ruiz proposed that these companies either implement self-regulation or work with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to develop a system for more effective detection and handling of misinformation.

He also called on lawmakers to support the PCO’s digital crusade against online disinformation by enacting stronger legislation and aligning content moderation practices with globally accepted standards.

"I respectfully encourage our lawmakers to consider the framework of the Digital Services Act, a recently adopted EU regulation which prevents illegal and harmful activities, disinformation online while still ensuring that the freedom of expression is upheld,” he added.

Ruiz also raised concerns about the growing use of AI-generated deepfake content, warning that manipulated voices and videos are now being used to scam the public by impersonating well-known personalities.

“There were several complaints raised with the PCO that said, 'Sir, look at this, there are known personalities recruiting on scams, advertising scams.' Because the voices of a well-known personality or a well-known businessman are being put on the line,” he said.

He stressed that such tactics pose not only financial risks to individuals but also national security threats.

Earlier this year, reports surfaced alleging that Chinese state-sponsored hackers had breached Philippine government websites, including military data concerning the West Philippine Sea. The DICT, however, denied that any systems were successfully infiltrated.

Ruiz emphasized the urgency of addressing online threats, likening the dangers of disinformation and deepfakes to the country’s earlier struggle with illegal drugs.

“We now live in two worlds: the cyber world and the real world. The children right now spend more time on the cyber world. And if you give them constant disinformation, if you give them constant lies and negative news, what will happen to the next generation of Filipinos?” he warned.