FORMER presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Wednesday openly opposed passage of House Bill No. 11178 attempting to criminalize troll farms.
Roque, as “outspoken ally of the Dutertes,” said in a statement released on Wednesday that any restriction that is content-based is “heavily presumed to be unconstitutional.”
He shared that although he has been subjected to “malicious and below-the-belt” online bashing from the troll farms, he however remains to stand firm that freedom of expression should be upheld.
“In a democracy, no individual or institution can monopolize the truth, ideas or concepts. I am a firm believer in the free marketplace of ideas, including the posts we read online,” he defended.
He tagged the house bill as a “brazen and dangerous attempt” to harass the opposition and silence free speech.
He added this can only control the “political narrative” ahead of the 2025 elections.
House Bill No. 11178 or the Anti-Troll Farm and Election Disinformation Act was filed by Representative Margarita Nograles-Almario and Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario on December 5.
The newlyweds pushed the passage of the bill to combat voter manipulation and “to protect the sanctity of Philippine elections by holding perpetrators accountable and promoting truth and transparency in the democratic process.”
The bill aims to ban the operation of troll farms disseminating electoral disinformation and illegal conspiracies for disinformation.
Violators shall face imprisonment of 6-12 years and imposed a fine of P500,000- P10 million.
Political candidates who benefit from troll farms activities shall be subject to disqualification, while online platforms will be held liable.
The two most prominent political families will be facing next year’s midterm elections.
Resigned Civil Service Commission chairman Karlo Nograles, the two-term congressman, will directly challenge former President Rodrigo for mayor, while Migs Nograles will try to unseat incumbent 1st District congressman Paolo Duterte.
