TACLOBAN CITY — A group of 41 lawmakers has filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking an investigation into alleged extortion and coercion activities reportedly linked to an online media network.
House Resolution No. 1006 calls for a congressional inquiry into reports that digital platforms were allegedly used for intimidation, disinformation, and financial demands disguised as media content or commentary.
One of the authors, Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog party-list group, said that alleged practices involving demands for money in exchange for withholding negative content “is not journalism” but extortion.
The resolution was filed following a privilege speech urging an investigation into what lawmakers described as “digital blackmail operations,” citing reports involving the arrest of individuals linked to an entrapment operation over an alleged P300-million extortion attempt.
Lawmakers stressed that while freedom of speech and press are protected by the Constitution, these rights do not cover criminal acts such as extortion, coercion, and cybercrime violations.
The measure also seeks to determine possible violations of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and to examine how online platforms may be used to pressure individuals and public officials.
The proposed inquiry will be referred to several House committees, including Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and Public Information.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
