SEN. Christopher Lawrence Bong Go reminded the public to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly as he emphasized the difference between being critical and deliberately spreading fake news and disinformation on social media, especially now that there is a crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

SEN. Christopher Lawrence Bong Go

Go said in Filipino while he had nothing against free expression of ideas and while this government would always protect the rights and freedoms of Filipinos, such rights and freedoms entailed corresponding responsibilities as upright citizens of this country.

We should understand that this comes with a responsibility as a citizen. Please use your freedom responsibly, the senator said.

In this time of [coronavirus] crisis, we are busy working to protect the welfare, interest and lives of the Filipinos. Were just serving our fellow Filipinos. But others are also busy maligning [others], wasting their time spreading fake news [and] lies, and adding problems to the nation, he added.

He also told critics that they were allowed to voice out their opinions so long as they were not spreading lies to inflict harm on others and were not violating any laws.

As for those who will be proven to have broken the law, Go said they should be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

He said the courts would decide whether their accusations were in violation of the cybercrime law, libel law or other laws.

Go urged accused individuals to cooperate with the investigation, as the law has safeguards to protect their rights.

Go reminded critics that he also has a family and children who get hurt when lies are thrown at him.

Go, then, stressed that democracy does not only protect freedom of speech; it also guarantees the right of individuals to protect themselves against false and malicious information.

A college student was reported to have been subpoenaed by the National Bureau of Investigation this Thursday after sharing a post on social media allegedly containing fake news against the senator.

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Bong Go: Use freedom of expression responsibly The Manila Times - The Manila Times