‘Probe vloggers spreading fake news on POGOs’

MANILA, Philippines— The quad committee of the House of Representatives has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to “identify, investigate and file charges” against “organized vloggers” who continue to malign and discredit their probe relating to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).

Quad comm chairman Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers wrote to NBI Director Jaime Santiago on Nov. 25, requesting a probe of the “deliberate disinformation drive by the seemingly organized vloggers” that have been peddling lies in social media platforms.

He asked Santiago to help quad comm investigate and determine the identity of the persons or groups responsible for creating and posting “damaging and misleading vlogs.”

Specifically, he requested the NBI to “secure and preserve all digital evidence related to the vlog, including metadata, upload details and related activity logs.”

According to him, these vloggers have been “bend(ing) the truth, concoct(ing) lies and post them on YouTube, Tiktok and other social media platforms aimed to malign and discredit quad panel co-chairs and members,” like him and Representatives Benny Abante, Dan Fernandez and Stephen Joseph Paduano.

Barbers slammed the social media posts, saying they “not only damage the integrity of public service, but also foster an environment of confusion, distrust and deception of public perception.”

On behalf of the quad comm, he clarified that they welcome the “harshest criticisms” in handling their job, which is to uncover the truth.

He also recognized that criticism is part of the hazards of the trade, but they have to draw the line between “spreading lies, malicious and libelous vlogs” and mere propaganda.

“Clearly, these individuals are POGO-funded vloggers,” Barbers said.

He submitted to NBI evidence of malicious vlogs sourced from various social media platforms, including a derogatory vlog that originated from his province and was picked up by Manila-based “mercenary vloggers,” linking him and his brother, Surigao del Norte Gov. Lyndon Barbers, to illegal drugs.

Barbers said he trusts the NBI Cybercrime Division’s expertise and commitment to addressing cyber-related offenses, especially those that aim to disrupt and discredit lawful and transparent public processes.