Manila: The House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed concern over what it describes as Senator Ronald dela Rosa's 'irresponsible and dangerous act' of spreading artificial intelligence (AI)-generated disinformation targeting the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte. In a press briefing, House spokesperson Princess Abante said Dela Rosa's decision to share AI-generated content questioning the legitimacy of the impeachment proceedings was not only misleading but a reckless abuse of his platform as a public official.
According to Philippines News Agency, Abante emphasized that public officials have a duty to promote truth and that it is lamentable when a public official misleads the public, as they are in a position to influence public sentiment and serve as an example to citizens. She stated that public officials should never be the source of falsehoods, especially when these involve sensitive democratic processes.
Abante described the actions of Dela Rosa as not only irresponsible but also dangerous, highlighting the proliferation of fake news and disinformation propagated by public officials. This response followed Dela Rosa's recent social media post containing AI-manipulated content aimed at discrediting the impeachment process and the House prosecution panel.
House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong and House Prosecution Panel spokesperson Antonio Audie Bucoy both expressed concerns over the incident, with Bucoy accusing the senator of 'propagating lies.' Abante reiterated the importance of public servants leading the propagation of truth and accurate information, warning that the effects of fake news extend beyond social media, impacting real-world situations.
Highlighting the broader impact of disinformation, Abante noted that it's not only public officials who are affected by fake news, but also ordinary citizens. She pointed to the negative impacts on individuals' lives, mental health, emotional well-being, and safety. Abante invoked a common saying, emphasizing that truth, not AI or fake news, is what ultimately frees individuals.
When questioned about the potential for stronger penalties against public officials who deliberately spread disinformation, Abante deferred to the members of the 20th Congress. She referenced the findings of the House Tri-Comm inquiry on fake news and disinformation from the 19th Congress, which called for urgent legislation to regulate AI-generated content and combat digital deceit.
Abante expressed hope that the 20th Congress will prioritize legislation to tackle fake news, underscoring the high standards expected of officials entrusted with public trust. She indicated that any decisions regarding penalties for public officials using fake news in bad faith would be determined by the legislative body.
The House, under Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez's leadership, has consistently advocated for truth-based governance and responsible public discourse, particularly amid the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte.
