MAKATI CITY, July 8, 2026 — In response to the growing threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, and other harmful online content, Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito has filed a resolution in the Bangsamoro Parliament urging the immediate adoption of comprehensive measures to strengthen online safety, promote digital and media literacy, and advance information integrity across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The filing comes amid increasing concerns over the damaging impact of false and misleading information circulating on digital platforms, which has contributed to public confusion, heightened social divisions, damaged reputations, and undermined trust in institutions.
In conflict-affected communities such as the Bangsamoro, the rapid spread of unverified information can further inflame tensions, compromise public safety, and disrupt peacebuilding efforts.
MP Benito stressed that while digital platforms have become indispensable tools for communication, education, and public participation, they have also been exploited to spread misinformation, disinformation, online scams, cyberbullying, hate speech, and other harmful content with far-reaching consequences for communities in the Bangsamoro and across the Philippines.
The proposed resolution calls for a coordinated, whole-of-society approach involving relevant Bangsamoro ministries, educational institutions, media organizations, civil society groups, technology stakeholders, and local government units to strengthen digital and media literacy, promote responsible online behavior, improve information literacy, and foster a culture of truth, accountability, and responsible public discourse.
According to MP Benito, enhancing the public's ability to verify information and critically evaluate online content has become increasingly urgent to help protect communities from manipulation, reduce the spread of false information, and preserve social cohesion and democratic participation.
The resolution was officially filed on July 7, 2026, and is expected to undergo deliberation in the Bangsamoro Parliament.
More updates will follow as this measure advances through the legislative process.