The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Calape passed resolutions condemning fake news being spread against Cong. Edgar Chatto and asked the authorities to investigate and possibly file cases against those who are behind a Facebook page allegedly spreading fake news against the first district solon.
Calape Vice Mayor Junie Yu personally handed to Chatto copies of resolutions denouncing the Voice of Calapenhon Facebook page and requesting authorities to investigate and unmask the page’s administrators during the meeting of Calape barangay captains on Friday, October 7, 2022.
Resolution No. 2022-258 denounces in the strongest terms alleged fake news being spread by the said Facebook page.
It further stated that the page does not in any way, form or substance embody the character of the Calapenhon.
Resolution No. 2022-259 requests the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate, ascertain and unmask the page administrator/s and to file appropriate charges.
Both resolutions, authored by Calape Liga ng mga Barangay president Madelone Rengel, were passed on September 21, 2022.
Chatto had been the subject of malicious accusations and personal attacks by the said page which quickly went viral on the social media.
Unfazed by character assassination by detractors, Chatto expressed amusement at the level of black propaganda being thrown at him.
He, however, welcomed the passage of the resolutions and expressed regret that such negative activities continue to persist.
He requested Calape barangay officials to help warn the public and to take extra care when reading information at face value, especially when coming from unverified social media accounts.
Moreover, Chatto assured that he will stay true to good public service and governance, thanking the local government officials and the people for their continued support.
UNEXPECTED
In a telephone interview, Chatto said he was only visiting Calape on Friday as part of his routine during a recess in the session at the House of Representatives.
He dropped by the ABC Hall at Poblacion, Calape where he met all barangay captains and barangay secretaries of the said town.
Moreover, Vice Mayor Yu and some SB Calape members were also present during the meeting and presented the copies of the resolutions to Chatto.
Chatto said he did not expect to receive copies of the resolution upon his visit to Calape.
The Bohol Tribune obtained a copy of Resolution No. 2022-258 adopted by members ot the SB led by Vice Mayor Yu.
The said resolution recognized social media as a platform where no-holds-barred expressions of sentiments and thoughts can happen and affect the lives of the people.
It also pointed out the Constitional right of people for free expression and speech.
However, freedom of expression does not include the publication of malevolent, libelous and defamatory attacks on a person before the bar of public opinion with impunity, the resolution mentioned.
Allegedly, the FB page Voice of Calapenhon has “become a tool for false information, fake news and blatant disinformation to flourish and spread in social media which deviates the public from
seeking the truth”.
The resolution added that, “The freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press does not conform with the proliferation of false information, fake news and blatant disinformation of the public whether the intent is done willingly or unwillingly, satirically or a trenchant wit, exaggerated or dubiously parody as long as it deviates the public to the truth.”
The resolution also pointed out that “Calapenhons are peace-loving people, known for being protectors of truth and justice and a brother’s or sister’s keeper.”
“True-blooded Calapenhons are not rumormonger, tattletale nor a fulcrum of fake news, false information and blatant public disinformation,” the resolution quipped.
The resolution said the FB Page “does not in any way, form and substance, embody a true Calapenhon character, values, voice and spirit.”
REACTIONS TO FAKE NEWS
In a separate radio interview on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 over Newsmakers Ug Uban Pa hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Dave Albarado, Chatto expressed his feelings about the attacks made by a couple of FB pages against the solon’s person.
“Ma amuse ta ug nganong ingon ana ang attitude nila towards anyone, ako ba kaha o lain nga mga tawo, kay makita sa character sa tawo nga nagbuhat niana,” the congressman said.
He added,”To be honest, ma amuse ko nganong ana ra kutob ang ilang paminsar, ang ilang pagtan-aw o role nila sa katilingban. There is something wrong there ug atong iampo pod nga matultulan sila and I hope also that the correct information will prevail.”