Manila: The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Thursday called on the public to be cautious of reports of rallies and be vigilant against misinformation, whether sharing or consuming it, amidst the ongoing political turmoil in the Senate.
According to Philippines News Agency, CICC Undersecretary Renato 'Aboy' Paraiso stated that their online monitoring has detected discussions and activities across different platforms indicating that certain groups may be organizing rallies and other public assemblies. He emphasized the importance of vigilance when consuming and sharing information related to political and religious activities, particularly on social media and messaging platforms.
Paraiso warned the public against the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and unverified content that could mislead the public and worsen political tensions. He stressed that cyberspace is a platform not only for expressing opinions but also a shared space where Filipinos have a responsibility to ensure that the information they consume and share is accurate and constructive.
He highlighted that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation should be exercised responsibly in both online and physical gatherings. He urged organizers, participants, and social media users to refrain from sharing content that encourages violence, promotes unlawful activities, or encourages actions that could threaten public safety and order.
Paraiso also encouraged the public to practice responsible online behavior to foster a safe and constructive cyberspace while contributing to peace, stability, and national unity during this period of political transition. He appealed to Filipino netizens to be discerning and responsible online, urging them not to add fuel to confusion, division, or conflict by spreading unverified information or inflammatory content, but to promote respectful dialogue based on facts and digital responsibility.
Earlier on Thursday, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and other allied senators accused high-ranking political figures and senators from a rival Senate bloc of involvement in alleged corruption involving flood control projects. The flood control probe continued despite 12 members of the Senate declaring all committee seats vacant, with the Blue Ribbon committee hearing on the flood control controversy moved to June 8 under its new chair, Sen. Erwin Tulfo.
