The Digital Media Standards Coalition launches an alliance that would fight fake news at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Monday (May 19, 2025). In photo are (from left) DMSC chair Antonilo Mauricio, Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas, Inc. chair Michael Raymond Aragon and Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman. (PNA photo by Kris M. Crismundo)
A new private sector initiative, the Digital Media Standards Coalition (DMSC), was officially launched on Monday to address the growing problem of misinformation and disinformation in the Philippines’ digital space.
The coalition brings together several major organizations, including the Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines, Global AI Council Philippines, Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines, Blockchain Council of the Philippines, Philippines CIO Association, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and the Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas, Inc.
DMSC Chair Antonilo Mauricio emphasized during a press briefing that the coalition is set to become a key private sector advisory body. “This coalition will be recognized in the draft legislation as the official sounding board for recommending actions to prevent the spread of fake news within our digital ecosystem,” he said.
Mauricio added that the coalition’s efforts are aligned with the Marcos administration’s broader initiative to promote transparency and accountability across digital platforms.
A key part of DMSC’s work will involve drafting a Code of Ethics, modeled after KBP’s existing framework, while also incorporating best practices and standards from international counterparts.
The coalition also expressed full support for the proposed Digital Accountability and Services Act, authored by Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman. The bill would require social media giants such as Meta and TikTok to establish legal offices in the Philippines, verify user identities, and implement robust fact-checking mechanisms.
According to Rep. Roman, the DMSC will play a central role in verifying online content. “If a piece of fake news is confirmed, social media platforms will be obliged to take it down,” she said. “Additionally, a suspension system will be put in place where disputed content can be flagged for investigation.”
Roman clarified that punitive actions would be enforced by the platforms themselves, not by the government. “This approach ensures justice is served without infringing on constitutional rights. By simply taking down or flagging fake news, we’re already upholding accountability in a practical and democratic manner,” she noted.
The formation of the DMSC marks a significant step forward in the Philippines’ efforts to create a safer, more truthful digital environment.
