PASAY CITY—The Senate has moved decisively to combat the escalating threat of disinformation, with the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media holding a pivotal public hearing on Monday, December 15, 2025. 

The session zeroed in on several proposed measures aiming to safeguard the Filipino public from fake news, coordinated online trolling, and shady social media algorithms. 

The legislative efforts include Senate Bill Nos. 191 and 1441, both spearheaded by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, which seek to penalize the deliberate creation and spread of malicious false information and enforce algorithmic transparency on major social media platforms. 

Simultaneously, Senator Robinhood Padilla's Senate Bill No. 1490 directly targets the financial and operational structures of "troll farms," seeking to criminalize their very existence.

Senators actively engaged with resource persons, gathering critical input on the three proposals that are set to redefine the legal landscape for online information in the Philippines. This legislative push underscores a strong commitment to strengthening the integrity of public discourse and protecting citizens from intentional manipulation. 

The proposed bills on the upper chamber carry severe penalties, including potential fines up to P10 million for organizations running troll farms and imprisonment for individuals who operate or finance them, marking a serious escalation in the fight against online deception. 

The Senate’s ultimate goal is to shape a comprehensive framework that institutionalizes fact-checking and holds online entities accountable for the information spread on their platforms.