By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Press Club (NPC) President Renato ‘Aksyon Boy’ Duran revealed his organization’s endorsement of the bill filed by Senator Joel Villanueva, which aims to penalize individuals or groups who publish information considered “fake news.”
In an exclusive interview with Watchmen Daily Journal yesterday afternoon, Duran said the proliferation of malicious news on social media “maligns and damages the reputation of certain individuals.”
He added, it can also create panic.
When asked about journalists who are concerned over the clarity of Villanueva’s bill, Duran said they should not be frightened by the bill as long as they adhere to responsible journalism.
“We have nothing to fear if this bill is passed,” he stated. “Journalists should be responsible in what they write and report.”
Last week, Villanueva filed Senate Bill 1492 which aims to criminalize the creation or distribution of fake news or information.
Based on a report by ABS-CBN News, under the bill, any person proven guilty of creating or distributing fake news faces a fine ranging from P100,000 to P5 million and one to five years of imprisonment.
If the offender is a public official, their punishment will be doubled and they will be disqualified from holding public office.
Additionally, any mass media enterprise or social media platform that fails, neglects, or refuses to remove fake news will be fined P10 million to P20 million and face 10 to 20 years of imprisonment./WDJ