Sa una mga bomba films man
adto…
Janvic Mateo of the Philippine Star reported on
March 22, 2025: Vloggers Krizette Laureta Chu, who claimed being an editor of a
big newspaper, Mary Jane Quiambao Reyes and Mark Lopez were subjected to
thorough scrutiny by lawmakers investigating the spread of fake news and
misinformation through social media.
The house probe was initiated in response to the
widespread dissemination of fake news across social media platforms, allegedly
propagated by vloggers who are said to have political affiliations with a
prominent figure. These individuals are accused of spreading misinformation
with the primary intent of sowing discord, confusion, and distortion of facts,
which could ultimately contribute to the corruption of public perception and
the manipulation of public opinion.
Some have expressed concerns that these
investigations could result in the suppression of free speech and the
infringement of individuals' right to express their opinions.
During the Martial Law years in the Philippines, “bomba”
movies emerged as a form of both release and rebellion, offering a means of
expression amidst the suppression of basic freedoms. Scholars argue that these
films, characterized by their bold sexual content and subversive themes, served
as a cultural outlet for the Filipino people, allowing them to silently resist
the political oppression of the time (Bautista, 2001; Quindoza-Santiago, 1998).
Despite being heavily censored, bomba films
provided a space for individuals to confront and process the socio-political
climate, often using suggestive narratives to critique the authoritarian regime
(Sison, 2003).
In this way, bomba cinema became a powerful tool of
resistance, reflecting the frustrations of a society under strict control and
offering a subtle yet potent form of protest against the stifling of free
expression.
Lino Brocka, along with other filmmakers, was
imprisoned during Martial Law in the Philippines primarily due to his outspoken
political views and his films' social critiques. He was a vocal critic of the
government's human rights abuses, censorship, and the suppression of freedom of
expression.
In an era where the internet connects us all, can
we view the rise of fake news, memes and unfounded weblogs as a symptom of
underlying societal unease? From a Social Science perspective, these phenomena
may stem from a variety of factors, including widespread distrust in
traditional media, political polarization, and the increasing fragmentation of
information sources.
The spread of misinformation is driven by echo
chambers, where people only see content that matches what they already believe,
making divisions and confusion worse.
An affluent individual once subtly remarked to this
writer, *“I keep quiet about social issues to avoid getting caught up in the
mess.” This statement raised a red flag, as it starkly contradicted the deeply
held belief that we live in a democracy where expressing our opinions is not
only a fundamental right but a responsibility.
Of course, spreading lies and false information is
undeniably wrong, but attempting to silence or coerce others into withholding
their ideas and opinions is a byproduct of an oppressive and controlling
mindset. Such actions undermine the very principles of free expression and
foster an environment of fear and conformity.
It is the responsibility of the House of
Representatives to initiate actions in aid of legislation, but the House must
exercise great caution in navigating the fine line between serving the greater
good and pursuing personal interests. Their actions should always prioritize
the welfare of the public, ensuring that decisions are made with integrity and
accountability, rather than being driven by ulterior motives.
Vloggers and bloggers must recognize the
responsibility that comes with expressing their ideas. It’s not enough to
simply share what they feel; they must also consider what is ethically and
factually right. Before voicing their opinions to the vast audience of the
internet, they should be mindful of the laws of the land and the application of
universal values, ensuring their content is not only truthful but respectful of
the broader societal impact.
In fact, the word fake news is an oxymoron. The
combination of these two words creates a contradiction, as true news should be
based on factual accuracy, while "fake" inherently undermines that
truth.
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