Punish peddlers of fake news on TRO vs ICC cooperation – solons

The Supreme Court. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The person responsible for spreading “fake news” on the issuance of a supposed temporary restraining order (TRO) seeking to stop the government from cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in arresting former President Rodrigo Duterte should be punished, according to lawmakers.

On March 11, reports that the Supreme Court (SC) issued a TRO circulated online. Davao-based lawyer Israelito Torreon also said that “somebody” told them there was already an order.

Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun said this was a clear case of “misinformation.”

“But the Supreme Court said there is no legal basis to issue a TRO. So this is fake news and we know that fake news has no space in our society so those who spread this should be punished,” he said in Filipino.

Konghun pointed out that if a lawyer was behind this fake news, then the person committed an ethical violation related to the profession.

“Because of the ethics of lawyers, they must not tell fake news and lies. So they must also be responsible for every word that comes out of their mouths,” he added.

Meanwhile, Manila Rep. Ernix Dionisio is giving them “the benefit of the doubt.”

“Because it’s so scary to think that they intentionally pretended that a TRO had been issued but there was none. And they did it to mislead the public. It could promote chaos and it’s not good for our country, even the SC is given a wrong image,” he explained in Filipino.

“So people who peddle, and propagate fake news should really be answerable,” he added.