Progressive solons call for probe into alleged creation of troll farms for Eleksyon 2022

Lawmakers from the Bayan Muna party-list sought an investigation into the alleged troll farms being created for the May 2022 elections. 

Representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat and Ferdinand Gaite pointed out that the Philippines has become a "haven for internet trolls." 

They urged the House Committee on Public Information to probe the supposed creation of troll farms by a government official as public funds are allegedly being utilized. 

"The young, educated, English-speaking workforce that made the Philippines a global call center hub has become a go-to-center for influencing political campaigns," the lawmakers said in House Resolution No. 1900.

"The use of government funds to such projects is not only a reprehensible but also an illegal of the people's money. Government officials involved in this sinister act that aims to undermine and subvert our democratic processes should be revealed, exposed and be subject to a prompt and impartial investigation," they added. 

Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed that a government undersecretary was supposedly organizing at least two troll farms in each province to attack critics and even possible candidates in the 2022 elections who are not aligned with the administration. 

Lacson said his office has received information that many troll farms are operating to discredit the possible contenders of administration candidates for 2022.

According to the lawmakers, the manipulation of information in social media threatens internet freedom and "undermines and subverts our democratic processes and institutions, which Congress should not only denounce but stop."

"The use of paid commenters and bots to spread anti-democratic propaganda and suppress dissent is dangerous to our democracy and people," they said.

National and local elections will be held on May 9, 2022. —KG, GMA News