Madadale rin ang nagfe-fake news! Ping cites National ID experience in dealing with disinformation vs Anti-Terror Bill

Groups against the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 may have a headstart in sowing disinformation but the truth will ultimately catch up with them, just like in the case of the National ID system, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Sunday.

Lacson said defending the anti-terror bill, which he sponsored in the Senate, should be an “easy” even with the initial advantage by those against the measure.

“Madaling idepensa ito dahil katotohanan vs disinformation should be an easy competition. Kasi nangyayari ngayon may headstart sila. Nakauna na sila sa disinformation kaya pati mga bata sa iskwela, pati mga millennials, pati mga beauty queens, apektado pag-iisip nila kasi perception eh. Maraming bumabatikos. Pero ang bumabatikos nagdi-disinform, nagmi-misinform. Nangyari na ito eh,” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.

He said he had a similar experience while sponsoring the National ID system bill, which was eventually signed into law in 2018.

At the time, Lacson said some groups raised fears against the national ID, which was proposed as early as the 1990s during the presidency of Fidel Ramos.

But now that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered lockdowns, many have seen the need for implementing a National ID system to ensure aid reaches those who need it.

“Katakot-takot na batikos din inabot ko sa leftist and progressive groups. Pero ngayong nade-delay ang implementation, marami ngayon ang nag-aapura, hindi pa na-implement, napakalaking tulong niyan hindi lang seguridad kundi paglikom ng taxes, pagtulong sa mahihirap? All-encompassing eh,” Lacson recalled.

“Pero ganyan din yan. Irony dito, batikos ng batikos, pagdating ng araw nakikita natin kailangan pala natin ito,” he added.

Lacson said the measure aims to prevent the prospect of the Philippines becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

He lamented the Philippines is ninth in the Global Terrorism Index, a list of countries most negatively affected by terrorism.

In the meantime, Lacson said the public should keep watch against disinformation by those against the measure.

“Napakaraming disinformation. Daming mga kababayan natin dapat mag-ingat,” he said.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)