Manila: Beyond preparing its evidence and witnesses, the House of Representatives' prosecution panel is also gearing up to counter the wave of disinformation expected to surround the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, House trial spokesperson Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said on Friday. In a televised interview, Co emphasized that the challenge of fighting misinformation on social media is just as pressing as the legal battles ahead.
According to Philippines News Agency, Co stated that social media is rife with memes, disinformation, and outright falsities, which can translate into on-ground discussions. She noted that the panel is actively exploring ways to involve the Filipino public in the conversation, rather than allowing them to fall victim to false narratives. The challenge, Co explained, is to break through the noise and lay down the process and principles behind the impeachment trial, aiming to answer the people's questions comprehensively.
Co described the prosecution's communication effort as fundamentally educational. Rather than merely refuting false claims as they emerge, the panel aims to educate citizens about the impeachment process so they can recognize disinformation independently. Co expressed a desire for the youth and Filipino citizens to be active participants in the process, as the outcomes will affect future generations. She emphasized that this trial transcends personalities and political camps.
To achieve this, Co mentioned that lawmakers are considering community-level engagement to bring trial discussions into barangays and classrooms. This approach may include creating digestible summaries and post-hearing explainers to make the legal proceedings more accessible to ordinary Filipinos. Co advocated for a continuous political discourse actively participated in by the people, involving communities and educational settings to foster a collective understanding.
Co also highlighted the importance of working with disinformation countermeasures, including channels, news outlets, and media platforms dedicated to promoting truth. She warned against reducing the constitutional process to a spectacle driven by political fandom, asserting that the future of the Filipino people is at stake in this impeachment trial.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18 and issued a writ of summons to Duterte, who has until June 1 to file her response. Duterte faces charges of confidential fund misuse, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats against the President, First Lady, and former House Speaker. The impeachment court is expected to begin pre-trial proceedings around July 6 and commence the trial proper after the 2026 State of the Nation Address.
