Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
______________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT CRIMINALIZING THE CREATION AND DISSEMINATION OF FAKE NEWS 
FOR PROTECTION FROM ONLINE FALSEHOODS AND MANIPULATION, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE, REPUBLIC ACT NO 10175, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT OF 2012 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Art. II, Sec. 24 of the 1987 Constitution states that “The State recognizes the vital role of 
communication and information in nation-building.” 
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has come to dominate the media, both domestically 
and abroad. Alongside increased attention to the pandemic, has come the viral spread of 
COVID-19 fake news online. 
Disinformation and misinformation have been prevalent in the social media age, 
especially during the pandemic.  
The State must combat misinformation and disinformation because it recognized the vital 
role of communication and information in nation-building.  
This bill aims to criminalize the creation and dissemination of fake news for protection 
from online falsehoods and manipulation. This bill aims to stop misinformation and 
disinformation by putting those people who spread fake news behind bars.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good 
of the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
November 7, 2022
8:10 am
5794


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
______________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT CRIMINALIZING THE CREATION AND DISSEMINATION OF FAKE NEWS 
FOR PROTECTION FROM ONLINE FALSEHOODS AND MANIPULATION, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE, REPUBLIC ACT NO 10175, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT OF 2012 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No 10175 otherwise known as the 
"Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012" is hereby amended to include: 
"xxx 
"(M) FAKE NEWS REFERS TO MISINFORMATION 
AND DISINFORMATION OF STORIES, FACTS, AND NEWS 
WHICH IS PRESENTED AS A FACT, THE VERACITY OF 
WHICH CAN NOT BE CONFIRMED, WITH THE PURPOSE OF 
DISTORTING THE TRUTH AND MISLEADING ITS 
AUDIENCE." 
Sec. 2. All succeeding subsections under Section 3 of Republic Act No 10175 
shall be renumbered accordingly. 
Sec. 3. Section 4 of Republic Act No 10175 otherwise known as the 
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 is hereby amended to include: 
5794


"xxx 
"(c) Content-related offenses: 
XXX 
"(5) FAKE NEWS - THE CREATION AND 
DISSEMINATION OF FAKE NEWS AS DEFINED IN THE SECTION 
3 HEREOF, COMMITTED THROUGH A COMPUTER SYSTEM 
OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR MEANS WHICH MAY BE DEVISED 
IN THE FUTURE." 
Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree, or issuance, 
executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules, or regulation 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
modified or amended accordingly. 
Sec. 5. Separability Clause. -If any provision or provision of this Act Is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not 
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
Sec. 6. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date 
of its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,