NBI to probe vloggers, online trolls spreading fake news

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Bureau of Investigation will investigate vloggers and trolls spreading false information and fake news on social media and other online platforms.

During a press forum in Manila yesterday, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said online attacks against some people have worsened, prompting the agency’s cybercrime unit to take action.

“We respect freedom of speech and expression, but these do not give anyone the right to fabricate stories,” Santiago said in Filipino.

He warned that the NBI would soon file cases against identified people that include Maharlika, a US-based vlogger, who could face charges for violations of the anti-cybercrime law and inciting to sedition.

Santiago said the charges would be filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the coming days or weeks.

Aside from Maharlika, the NBI is also looking into social media posts linked to former presidential spokesman Harry Roque that encourage a “people power” movement.

Santiago said if Roque is calling for such an action, then he should return to the Philippines to lead it himself.?The NBI chief issued a strong warning to those involved in spreading fake news.

“They should stop now before they get arrested and start crying about freedom of expression or freedom of the press,” he said, stressing that “those rights are not absolute, they have limitations.”

Santiago emphasized that cases have already been filed against some people, warning that arrests could happen at any time.

“When you cross the line, when your statements become libelous, when you spread lies that create unrest in the country – that is inciting to sedition,” Santiago said.

As fake news continues to proliferate, Santiago said the NBI would collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission to combat disinformation.

“People can no longer tell what is real news and what is fake news,” Santiago said.

Ballot printing

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) expects the printing of official ballots for the May 2025 midterm polls to be completed either tonight or tomorrow morning.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said only around three million of the required 72 million ballots have yet to be printed.

If the printing will be completed by tomorrow, this would be ahead of the target date, he noted.

He said the Comelec aims to distribute the voters information sheet by April 1. – Mayen Jaymalin