Abante to vloggers: Apologizing is not enough—stop spreading misinformation.

MANILA, Philippines — Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. has emphasized that apologies from social media influencers who spread misinformation are not enough—they must take responsibility and actively correct the falsehoods they promoted.

During a House tri-committee hearing on fake news, at least three vloggers—MJ Quiambao Reyes, Krizette Laureta Chu, and Mark Lopez—issued apologies for spreading inaccurate claims. However, Abante insisted that they must go beyond apologies and use their platforms to rectify the disinformation they had previously disseminated.

“These apologies are just a first step, but they are not enough. If these vloggers are sincere, they must stop spreading lies and start presenting the real, verifiable truth,” Abante said. He also stressed that those with large audiences bear significant responsibility, warning against posting misleading content purely for engagement.

Reyes apologized for claiming that extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under Duterte’s drug war were a “hoax” and for accusing critics of being funded by criminals. Chu pledged to clarify her misleading statement about police resignations due to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) case against Duterte. Lopez admitted to falsely asserting that the Philippines had used water cannons in the West Philippine Sea.

Abante underscored the need for evidence-based claims, particularly regarding human rights issues, stating, “Truth is not subjective—it must be based on facts and evidence.”

The tri-committee continues its inquiry into online disinformation, highlighting the dangers of misleading narratives in a country where social media plays a significant role in public discourse.

Source:https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2046393/abante-tells-vloggers-after-apology-stop-spreading-lies