MANILA -- The House Tri-Comm scheduled its second hearing on Tuesday as it continues to probe into the growing threat of disinformation and fake news online. 

The investigation follows the issuance of show cause orders (SCOs) to several social media personalities and vloggers who failed to appear during the first hearing last February 4. 

The Tri-Comm, composed of Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information have warned that non-compliance with the SCOs could result in stronger legal action, including subpoenas and contempt charges. 

House issues show cause orders vs vloggers who skipped 'fake news' probe

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, the overall chair of the Tri-Comm, stressed the importance of holding digital influencers accountable for their role in spreading misleading content. 

“We are not suppressing free speech. We are investigating whether social media is being used to mislead the public, undermine institutions, or facilitate foreign disinformation,” said Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, in a statement. 

Among those issued with SCOs are: Atty. Glenn Chong, former Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) chief-turned-social media commentator Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Krizette Laureta Chu, Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot, Mark Anthony Lopez, Lorraine Marie Tablang Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Almendras Çeliz, Mary Catherine Binag, Elizabeth Joie Cruz, Elmer Jugalbot, Ernesto Abines Jr., Ethel Pineda Garcia, George Ahmed Paglinawan, Mary Jean Quiambao Reyes, Richard Tesoro Mata, Suzanne Batalla, Vivian Zapata Rodriguez, Aeron Pena, Alex Destor, Alven L. Montero, Claire Eden Contreras, Claro Ganac, Darwin Salceda, Jeffrey G. Cruz, Jonathan Morales, Julius Melanosi Maui, Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan, Manuel Mata Jr. and others. 

Several individuals have responded via email, including Cruz-Angeles, Cruz, Lopez, Batalla, Pineda and Chu. 

The Tri-Comm has indicated that further action may be taken against those who fail to comply. 

House probe on trolls, 'narco vloggers' set to begin next month  

The Tri-Comm has summoned representatives from government agencies, major social media platforms, legal experts and media organizations to broaden the scope of the probe.  

Government officials expected to testify include Anti-Money Laundering Council Chairperson Eli Remolona Jr., Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. 

Executives from ByteDance (TikTok), Google Philippines and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) have also been invited to provide insight into their handling of misinformation. 

Legal and media professionals, including UP College of Law Professor Joan De Venecia-Fabul, representatives from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, VERA Files President Ellen Tordesillas, and other media entities, are also expected to present their views on potential regulatory measures. 

TikTokers, vloggers capitalize on clout, common touch in venture into politics 

The Tri-Comm is weighing potential policy responses to digital misinformation, including stricter accountability measures for social media influencers, improved regulation of online content, and stronger enforcement against foreign-backed disinformation campaigns. 

Fernandez reiterated that the inquiry is part of a broader effort to strengthen digital governance. 

“We have to determine whether existing laws are enough to address this growing problem or if new measures are necessary,” he said.