Abby Binay calls for stronger law enforcement to combat fake news, scams

Abby Binay

MANILA, Philippines – Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay today said the government needs to improve the capabilities of law enforcers to identify persons behind fake news and online scams.

Speaking at the press conference of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in Trece Martires, Cavite, Binay highlighted the frustrations surrounding the difficulty of catching fake news peddlers and online fraudsters.

“I think more than just the legislation, ang importante din sa atin, sa aming lahat, is the frustration of catching yung mga tao na gumagawa ng fake news, fake information,” Binay stated.

Binay emphasized that beyond legislation, there must be stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability and deterrence.

“Kaya naman matapang yung mga tao na nagkakalat ng fake news…para sa kanila, ‘hindi naman ako mahuhuli’ o ‘matagal bago nila ako mahuli,'” Binay said.

She attributed their boldness to the fact that the authorities have failed to apprehend online money scammers victimizing netizens.

“Kung yung nangi-scam nga ng pera ay hindi natin mahanap, eh ano pa yung gumagawa ng fake news?” she said.

Binay urged the government to equip law enforcers with the necessary tools and training to track down those responsible for spreading false information.

“Siguro kailangan nating pagtibayin yung kapulisan, on how will they trace these fake content makers and talagang… hulihin sila,” she said.

She stressed the importance of setting an example through effective enforcement.

“Ang sa akin, enforcement. Makahuli tayo, maka-sample tayo para mapakita sa lahat ng tao na ‘we mean business.’ Kailangan tayong umayos. Yun yung kailangan nating ipakita,” she said.

Binay vowed to push for initiatives that will strengthen enforcement strategies and hold perpetrators accountable, should she be elected to the Senate.