House to cite vloggers for contempt if they skip next fake news hearing
HOT CONTENT The House hearing on the spread of misinformation on social media attracts unusual on-site coverage— from social media content creators. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Social media personalities who were absent from last week’s House inquiry on fake news may be cited for contempt if they skip the next hearing, according to lawmakers.
The next hearing is tentatively set for April 8.
In a statement released on Sunday, Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Joseph Stephen Paduano was quoted saying during Friday’s hearing, “Just to remind everyone… resource persons and that includes all those resource personnel who are present in today’s hearing and maybe they’re monitoring this hearing, let me remind everyone that please don’t force us to cite you for contempt.”
The joint hearing of the committees on public information, public order and safety, and information and communications technology also confirmed that subpoenas would be issued to 24 social media personalities who did not attend the previous hearing despite receiving show-cause orders.
They are the following:
- Lorraine Marie Tablang Badoy-Partosa
- Jeffrey Almendras Çeliz,
- Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot
- Alex Distor
- Alven L. Mortero
- Claire Eden Contreras
- Claro Ganac
- Cyrus Priglo
- Darwin Salceda
- Edwin Jamora
- Elmer Jugalbot
- Ernesto S. Abines Jr.
- Atty. Glen Chong
- Jeffrey G. Cruz
- Joe Smith Medina
- Jonathan Morales
- Julius Melanosi Maui
- Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan
- Lord Byron Cristobal
- Ma. Florinda Espenilla-Duque
- Maricar Serrano
- Suzanne Batalla
- Mary Catherine Binag
- Vivian Zapata Rodriguez.
READ: Vloggers may face contempt if they skip House hearing anew – House reps
Only eight of the 11 social media personalities previously issued with subpoenas were present at Friday’s hearing.
According to former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Sasot was in China and tried to join the hearing via Zoom. However, attending via Zoom is exclusively for House members.
“Let it be clear to the resource persons, especially those not present today (Friday), in regards to the explanation relayed to you by Ms. Badoy… ang mahalaga po dito (what is important)… is the written explanation attached with all the documents that will prove that she is indeed abroad… and the written explanation is valid,” Paduano said.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel then issued a warning.
“If those personalities who already received subpoenas will not attend in the next hearing, this committee would be compelled to issue a contempt order,” he said.
