Content creators summoned as resource persons in the House TriComm inquiry on online disinformation may face contempt charges and possible detention if they insult the joint committee after the hearings, Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano warned on Monday.
His statement comes three days after content creators MJ Reyes and Krizette Chu apologized for their social media posts.
“Section 11 of our internal rules, Paragraph F. We will not allow discussions or attacking, insulting this committee hearing after the suspension of this hearing because you will be in violation… We will be forced to cite you in contempt,” Paduano stated.
He cited a past case where a radio block timer was cited in contempt for attacking the proceedings after the hearing.
The inquiry, led by the House committees on public information, public order and safety, and information and communications technology, has tentatively set its next hearing for April 8.
During the March 21 hearing, the committee approved Paduano’s motion to issue a subpoena ad testificandum to 24 vloggers and influencers who failed to attend despite receiving show-cause orders.
Among those subpoenaed were former NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lorraine Badoy, vlogger Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, and vlogger Sass Rogando Sasot, along with 21 others.
“May we inform those mentioned that have been issued subpoena that the subpoena is still in effect,” Paduano reminded.
Meanwhile, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. stressed that apologies were insufficient if vloggers continued spreading falsehoods.
“These apologies are a start, but they are not enough. If these vloggers are truly sincere, they must stop spreading lies and start presenting the truth—not their so-called ‘truth,’ but the real, honest-to-God truth,” he said.
“Truth is not subjective. It must be based on facts and evidence. Calling the extrajudicial killings a ‘massive hoax’ is not just irresponsible—it is an insult to the victims, to the grieving families, and to the institutions–such as the House and the Commission on Human Rights–that investigated these crimes,” he added.
“You cannot just post anything for likes or views and expect to walk away from the consequences,” he warned.
Abante urged the public to stay vigilant against disinformation and vowed to continue efforts to combat fake news on social media.
