Isko Moreno defends Mocha Uson

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Saturday defended his newest political ally, controversial political blogger Mocha Uson, despite her role in spreading false information and online vitriol on social media.

Speaking to reporters before the start of the presidential debate hosted by the Commission on Elections at Sofitel Manila, Moreno was questioned if Uson faced cases in connection with her role in the massive pro-government disinformation network.

“If there was a case, then she would be able to answer it under the rule of law. But we need all the help we can get,” Moreno said of Uson, who gained notoriety in 2016 for calling journalists paid hacks and “presstitutes.”

Uson faced cases before investigating bodies for her alleged unethical conduct online. She was investigated by the ombudsman for her “Pepederalismo” promotion, which mocked people with hearing loss, and by the National Bureau of Investigation over a false Facebook post lauding the government’s purchase of personal protective equipment, but with a photo of a donation by a supermarket chain.

Moreno said he is just happy for the latest addition to his team, which is also supported by the volunteer network Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Committee or MRRD-NECC that helped propel Duterte to the presidency.

“Thank you very much if she changed her mind. That’s the same thing I want for the rest of our citizens – if they can switch to Isko,” said Moreno, who had earlier called on former “Diehard Duterte Supporters” to change their name to “Diehard Domagoso Supporters.”

Despite his political alliance with Uson, Moreno promised to hold social media companies accountable for allowing fake news peddlers to use their platform.

Moreno made the comment during the fourth round of Saturday night’s presidential debate, when the discussion centered on the proliferation of false information on social media.