Noticing the resurgence of internet influencers and troll farms peddling ‘fake’ news on social media, House Deputy Minority Leader Margarita Ignacia ‘Migs’ Nograles is urging the public to “be careful when consuming information online” because they could be coming from unreliable sources who are just out to besmirch the reputation of some individuals, particularly government officials, or else promote an agenda of confusion.

In a statement, Nograles disclosed that several lawmakers, including herself, have become subjects of fake news online for being vocal in scrutinizing the use of public funds by various government offices, among them the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

“Troll farms seem to be targeting those who have raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of the funds of the DepEd and OVP, under Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, as well as those who helped the House Quad Committee (Quad Comm) ferret out the truth on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), EJKs (extrajudicial killings) and illegal drug syndicates,” the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list representative noted.

Other lawmakers targeted by misinformation include lawmakers Raoul Danniel Manuel of the Kabataan party-list, Stella Luz Quimbo of Marikina and Bienvenido ‘Benny’ Abante of Manila.

According to the House deputy minority leader, the strategy being used by the internet influencers is through the spreading of misinformation and disinformation while trolls are engaged in posts aimed at increasing their visibility on social media.

“I believe this is a coordinated effort to discredit those who are holding public officials accountable. Matagal na akong biktima ng fake news at patuloy na binibiktima. Nakakalungkot na ang mga opisyal na nagtatanong at tumutulong sa ating bayan ay ginagawan ng kwento at sinisiraan. Lahat ng ito ay pawang fake news,” she pointed out.

Nograles is a member of the House Quad Comm which is currently conducting a probe with the House committee on good government and public accountability alleged anomalies that are related to POGOs, EJKs, illegal drugs as well as issues hounding the OVP and DepEd.

The PBA solon reminded officials under scrutiny that they should respond in appropriate venues instead of turning to social media and thus further creating confusion.

“If there are questions about irregularities and mismanagement of public funds, they should be answered in the proper forum, not on social media. We should not fall prey to propaganda and false information,” she stressed.

“It would be better for all sectors to work collectively in combating the spread of false information in the country. The spread of fake news undermines our democracy. We must unite to fight it and protect our institutions,” she concluded while encouraging the public to avoid sharing unverified content online.