The fight vs disinformation intensifies

TWO important dates stood out last week. The Philippines connected to the internet for the first time on March 29, 1994. Twenty-eight years later, how the internet has changed the sociopolitical landscape in the country is far from ideal. Observing International Fact-Checking Day on April 2 is all about setting the record straight and protecting the public from misinformation or "fake news." As we mark the 28th anniversary of the Philippine internet, the #FactsFirstPH coalition reiterates its commitment to protect the facts and exact accountability from those who harm the public sphere with lies. The fact-checking layer with over 130 partners has produced almost 400 fact-checks since it started this initiative in January this year. Being part of the coalition, my participation is amplifying the truth by sharing at least three to five fact-checks daily. I repurpose the stories into a short video form on TikTok, YouTube shorts, Instagram reels, Facebook or Twitter video in that order of priority.

No one would appreciate the fact-checking videos on TikTok as expressed by a content strategist to me. "You will be surprised," I corrected him. I receive many comments like "there should be more like you. There are so many who are blinded by lies and would be enlightened by the truth." A student appreciated the fact check, claiming he got speechless when his professor shared fake news. When the fact check is about the disinformation disseminated through social media platforms of presidential bet Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, supporters get outraged. "Why am I destroying Marcos, Jr.?" they demanded. If I cite Rappler or ABS-CBN as the news source, the more I receive heated comments. They close their minds to the truth. I explain that these two media organizations deliver the news and that they need to check the primary source for its news content.