The Philippine Lower House’s Quad Committee has drawn a firm line: while it welcomes constructive criticism, it will not tolerate the spread of malicious lies by vloggers aimed at discrediting its members.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, lead chair of the Quad Committee (Quadcom) and head of the Dangerous Drugs panel, has called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to step in.
Barbers is seeking to identify and prosecute vloggers allegedly funded by illegal drug syndicates and POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) operators for producing defamatory content targeting Quadcom members, including himself and his brother, Surigao del Norte Gov. Lyndon Barbers.
The Fight Against Online Disinformation
In a letter to NBI Chief Atty. Jaime B. Santiago dated November 25, 2024, Barbers detailed how these organized vloggers have been running a deliberate disinformation campaign.
He described the damage as twofold: harming public servants’ reputations and sowing confusion and distrust among the public.
Barbers submitted multiple pieces of evidence, including a particularly damaging vlog that originated in his province. The content, he claims, falsely linked him and his brother to illegal drug activities before being amplified by Manila-based vloggers.
“Obvious na well-organized at bayaran ang mga vloggers na ito. Gusto nilang sirain ang pangalan ko, ng kapatid ko, at ang mga miyembro ng Quadcom,” Barbers said. “Ang mga employers nila, mga POGO operators at drug lords, ay natatakot sa patuloy naming imbestigasyon.”
A Call for Justice
Barbers has asked the NBI to investigate the individuals or groups behind these vlogs, preserve all digital evidence—including metadata and upload activity—and ensure that the perpetrators face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Potential charges include:
- Libel (Art. 353 RPC)
- Sedition (Art. 139 RPC)
- Conspiracy to Commit Sedition (Art. 142 RPC)
- Incriminating Innocent Persons (Art. 363 RPC)
- Intriguing Against Honor (Art. 364 RPC)
Barbers expressed confidence in the NBI’s Cybercrime Division to tackle these offenses swiftly and ensure that justice prevails.
What’s at Stake?
The Quadcom, composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Public Accounts, and Human Rights, was formed to investigate critical issues like illegal drugs, POGOs, and extra-judicial killings during the Duterte administration.
Barbers emphasized that these baseless attacks on the Quadcom are likely a reaction from those feeling the heat of the ongoing investigations. “Nasasaktan na sila,” he said, referring to the employers of these vloggers.
Bloggers vs. Vloggers: A Quick Note
For clarity, bloggers typically create written content like articles and tutorials, while vloggers focus on video content shared on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Protecting Public Integrity
Barbers remains resolute in safeguarding the integrity of the Quadcom and its work. “With the NBI’s immediate attention and intervention, justice will be served, and the Quadcom’s mission will continue unhampered,” he stated.
In an era where disinformation can undermine public trust, Barbers’ initiative underscores the importance of holding those spreading falsehoods accountable. This battle is not just about defending reputations—it’s about protecting the truth in public service.
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