Many laws have been proposed in the Philippines to criminalize “fake news,” and at least four more were filed in 2025. These include House Bill No. 11506 during the 19th Congress on May 26, 2025; Senate Bill No. 241 during the 20th Congress on July 8, 2025; House Bill No. 3799 filed on August 18, 2025, during the 20th Congress; and Senate Bill No. 1474 filed on November 3, 2025, during the 20th Congress. Observers are concerned that these measures, if enacted, could be used to restrict free speech. Several proposed bills seek to amend the existing Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, yet many of them fail to clearly define “fake news” or disinformation. By the end of 2025, at least 12 anti-fake news bills had been proposed for consideration and possible enactment into law. The House of Representatives also launched a joint investigation into the spread of disinformation in the country, starting in February 2025, by inviting 40 social media personalities to discuss the issue300. The hearings reportedly aim to examine how disinformation spreads online, its impact on public perception and national security, and the measures needed to combat it301. They also seek to identify weaknesses in existing laws and policies governing digital platforms and to propose solutions to ensure the public has access to accurate and reliable information. Many of the listed invitees are controversial figures known for producing and spreading disinformation on their channels. Several initially refused to participate but eventually agreed after being warned they could face legal action for contempt. During the hearings, many of them failed to justify the content they disseminated, as they could not present any evidence to support it302, 303, 304. Some also attempted to justify their absence by claiming that participating in the hearings might violate their right to free speech, a claim that the court later dismissed305. Gulla, Vivienne. “House to Begin Probe on Fake News, Disinformation; At Least 40 Social Media Personalities Invited.” ABS-CBN News, 3 Feb. 2025, www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/2/3/at-least-40social-media-personalities-invited-as-house-begins-probe-on-fake-news-1753. 301. Ibid. 302. Robles, Alan. “Tearful Philippine Influencers Grilled Over Duterte Fake News, Admit Errors, but Change Needed.” South China Morning Post, 2 Apr. 2025, www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3304926/ tearful-philippine-influencers-grilled-over-duterte-fake-news-admit-errors-change-needed. 303. De Leon, Dwight. “At House Hearing, Pro-Duterte Vloggers Apologize for ‘Fake News,’ Rude Social Media Post.” Rappler, 21 Mar. 2025, www.rappler.com/philippines/house-hearing-pro-duterte-vloggers-apologizefake-news-online. 304. De Leon, Dwight. “House Probe Into ‘Fake News’ Treads Fine Line Between Accountability and Censorship.” Rappler, 25 Mar. 2025, www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/house-probe-fake-news-treads-fineline-between-accountability-censorship. 305. Bolledo, Jairo. “SC: No Violation of Vloggers’ Rights When House Invited Them to Disinformation Probe.” Rappler, 14 Nov. 2025, www.rappler.com/philippines/supreme-court-decision-vloggers-house-hearingdisinformation. 300. 67