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[av_heading heading=’ Code of conduct for bloggers mulled ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO and PRINCE GOLEZ
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MANILA – A party-list representative is studying the possibility of drafting a code of conduct for bloggers, especially those who also work for the government.
The code of conduct will not stop the bloggers from posting but instead make them good communicators, according to Salvador Belaro Jr. of 1-Ang Edukasyon.
“I observed what transpired at the Senate hearing, where some bloggers now in the employ of government agencies made various statements,” Belaro said. “I also took note of the various comments on social media about those statements.”
Some bloggers who also work for the government, particularly Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson and Department of Foreign Affairs consultant Rey Joseph Nieto, have come under fire for allegedly malicious blog posts.
But at a recent Senate inquiry into “fake news,” Uson and Nieto insisted that working for the government does not remove their right to express themselves in their blogs.
“I now sense that there may be a need for a code of conduct to govern how these bloggers go about their tasks as communicators of government policy, programs, and projects,” said Belaro.
Being government officials, they should follow certain ethical standards and adhere to evidence-based methods when writing and posting, the congressman said.
“Apparently, there is a new association of government information officers,” said Belaro. “I will seek to consult the ranks of the bloggers and public information officers as soon as I have identified who can appropriately advise.”
The Senate discussed how to curb the spread of false news and misinformation online, particularly on social media, which Uson and Nieto were accused of participating.
Uson and Nieto are pro-President Rodrigo Duterte bloggers behind “Mocha Uson Blog” and “Thinking Pinoy,” respectively.
Meanwhile, Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said the Senate is ready to step in and push for a legislation that will provide rules of engagement on social media, where Duterte supporters and critics have known to clash.
“It will intensify, from both sides. And if we need rules of engagement, then we will legislate,” Aquino said.
Still, he encouraged netizens, including bloggers, to “speak up” on issues affecting the country while warning that they should be “more circumspect” in expressing opinion.
“It’s time to speak up, whether it’s for or against the administration, the opposition, the EJKs (extrajudicial killings), etc. It goes for all sides,” Aquino said.
“Now more than ever, kailangan tayong tumayo at manindigan,” he added. “Laban kung laban. Tagisan ng talino, tagisan ng kuro-kuro, but we have to do it through civilized means.”/PN
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