Wazzup Pilipinas Founder Pushes for Comprehensive Digital Accountability and Online Safety Reforms

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

It begins with a single post—an unverified claim spreading like wildfire, a deepfake video distorting reality, or a surge of online attacks against someone who dared to voice a different opinion. In today’s digital battleground, where misinformation is weaponized, and truth becomes elusive, the need for clear, enforceable regulations has never been more urgent.

Enter Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas—a veteran in online journalism and a staunch advocate for responsible digital engagement. On February 6, 2025, he formally submitted a landmark proposal to the Tricameral (Tricomm) Committee of the House of Representatives, outlining a comprehensive approach to digital accountability, online safety, and social media ethics.

While Congresswoman Roman’s proposal, discussed during the February 18 Tricomm hearing, echoes some of the same concerns, Del Rosario’s recommendations take a more extensive and pragmatic approach—leveraging existing agencies instead of creating new ones. His plan prioritizes data privacy, misinformation regulation, influencer accountability, and platform transparency, all without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.

What Del Rosario envisions is not just regulation but a complete shift in how digital spaces are governed—one that safeguards free speech while holding platforms, influencers, and users accountable. His proposal arrives at a critical moment when the battle for truth and accountability in the online sphere is at an all-time high.

Strengthening Social Media Accountability

1. Enhancing Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Protections

The proposal calls for amendments to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) to ensure social media platforms storing Philippine user data locally, preventing potential breaches and foreign interference. It also mandates platforms to report cybersecurity incidents within 24 to 48 hours and undergo annual cybersecurity audits, akin to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with penalties for non-compliance.

2. Local Registration and Regulation of Social Media Platforms

To ensure accountability, Del Rosario suggests requiring foreign social media companies operating in the Philippines to register with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). This would subject them to local laws and establish a fair tax structure that could fund government programs on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and cybercrime prevention.

3. Ethical Standards for Social Media Influencers and Content Creators

Recognizing the role of digital influencers in shaping public opinion, the Wazzup Pilipinas founder proposes the creation of a National Digital Content Regulatory Board, under either the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) or a newly designated entity under DICT.

The proposal suggests requiring influencers with over 100,000 followers to register to ensure accountability and enforce disclosure guidelines for sponsored content, particularly in political and advocacy materials, following standards set by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Ensuring Authenticity in Digital Communications

1. Strengthening the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175)

The proposal expands legal coverage to include:

Doxxing (unauthorized release of private information).

AI-generated disinformation (deepfake videos, manipulated content).

Online gender-based violence (cyber harassment, stalking, digital sexual abuse).

It also recommends establishing a National Cybercrime Reporting System—similar to the U.S. Cyber Tipline—allowing direct reporting to DICT and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for faster intervention.

2. Mandatory Digital Literacy Education

The Wazzup Pilipinas founder underscores the need to integrate Digital Ethics & Media Literacy into the K-12 and higher education curricula. Additionally, government employees and private sector workers should undergo annual digital ethics training to mitigate cybercrime risks.

3. Regulating Deepfake & AI-Generated Content

To combat digital deception, Del Rosario calls for mandatory watermarking on AI-generated images, videos, and audio and bans the unauthorized use of AI in political campaigns, fraud, and character defamation.

4. Transparency in Political & Sponsored Content

The proposal mandates that social media platforms and influencers publicly disclose all political advertising and sponsorships to prevent hidden agendas and the spread of misinformation.

Advancing Digital Well-Being

1. Mental Health Safeguards on Social Media

Del Rosario highlights the link between excessive social media use and mental health concerns, proposing that platforms introduce:

Time limits and digital well-being alerts to curb overuse.

In-app mental health resources and crisis hotline links for users experiencing online abuse.

2. Protecting Minors in Digital Spaces

The proposal recommends strict age verification and parental control mechanisms for users under 18. It also seeks to ban the monetization of exploitative child content in family vlogs and streaming platforms while strengthening school-based cyber protection programs in collaboration with DICT and DepEd.

Legislative & Policy Actions

1. Creation of a National Digital Rights & Responsibility Act

This would define the digital rights of Filipinos, including:

Protection from cyber harassment and misinformation.

The right to digital privacy and fair online treatment.

Legal accountability for misuse of social media platforms.

2. Support for Independent Fact-Checking Organizations

The proposal suggests government-backed grants for independent fact-checking groups such as Vera Files and Rappler’s Fact-Check Initiative. Social media platforms would also be required to collaborate with accredited fact-checkers for misinformation moderation.

3. Whistleblower Protection for Social Media Moderators

To promote ethical content moderation, Del Rosario proposes legal protections for tech company employees who expose unethical practices within their platforms, ensuring social media executives are held accountable for negligence.

4. Strengthening Government-Media-Platform Collaboration

A quarterly consultation between Congress, media organizations, and tech companies is proposed to assess emerging digital threats. Additionally, platforms would be required to submit transparent reports on their content moderation policies and cybersecurity measures.

A Call to Action for a Safer Digital Future

The Wazzup Pilipinas founder emphasizes that the Philippines is at a crossroads in the digital age. Misinformation, cyber threats, and digital exploitation continue to undermine democracy, personal freedoms, and national security. Without decisive action, unchecked algorithms, AI-generated disinformation, and unethical online behavior will continue to manipulate Filipino society.

While Congresswoman Roman’s proposal during the February 18 Tricomm hearing mirrors some of the Wazzup Pilipinas founder’s recommendations, his framework offers a more extensive and practical approach by leveraging existing government agencies instead of creating new ones.

Now is the time for lawmakers to act. Del Rosario’s proposal lays the foundation for a legislative framework that safeguards digital spaces while upholding free speech and technological innovation. His call to strengthen existing laws, enhance digital literacy, and hold social media platforms accountable provides a balanced, enforceable, and future-proof strategy for online governance.

As discussions in Congress continue, Del Rosario urges lawmakers, digital platforms, and stakeholders to collaborate in shaping policies that ensure a safe, ethical, and progressive digital landscape for all Filipinos.

For further discussions, consultations, and collaboration, Del Rosario remains open to working with legislators and digital stakeholders to refine and implement these critical policy proposals.

Leaked PNP Memo Sparks Outrage: Are They Covering Up Their Own Scandal?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​The Philippine National Police (PNP) finds itself under scrutiny following the circulation of an alleged internal memorandum. This document purportedly instructs the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) to "redirect public attention" and "mitigate any further negative impact" stemming from an incident where a PNP convoy was flagged for unauthorized use of the EDSA busway.​

The incident in question occurred on February 25, 2025, when a convoy, reportedly carrying senior PNP officers, was apprehended for utilizing the exclusive bus lane along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). Witnesses claimed that members of the convoy invoked the name of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil during the confrontation. In response, Gen. Marbil defended the convoy's actions, stating, "There's a memo that the PNP can use the busway in case of emergency." However, this justification has been met with public skepticism, as no such agreement has been widely communicated or confirmed. ​

The leaked memorandum, allegedly issued on February 26, 2025, has raised concerns about the PNP's internal practices. In their official statement, the PNP acknowledged the situation:​

"We are aware of reports circulating regarding an alleged leaked memorandum and are currently conducting an internal verification process to determine its authenticity and context."​

They further emphasized their stance against misinformation:​

"The PNP does not condone any attempts to manipulate public perception or divert attention from matters of public concern."​

While the PNP has assured the public that any infractions involving personnel will be addressed through due process, there is a prevailing sentiment of doubt regarding the effectiveness of internal investigations. Historically, the PNP's internal disciplinary mechanisms have faced criticism. A study highlighted that the existing internal cleansing programs lack effective and action-specific corrective measures, allowing misconduct to persist unchecked. ​

Further compounding public skepticism, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has initiated its own probe into the incident. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that he did not authorize any PNP personnel to violate traffic regulations, underscoring the importance of accountability and adherence to the law. ​

This situation brings to light a recurring issue: the efficacy of internal investigations within the PNP. When an organization is tasked with investigating its own members, concerns about impartiality and transparency naturally arise. For meaningful reform and restoration of public trust, it is imperative that investigations are conducted by independent bodies free from internal biases.​

In conclusion, the PNP's current predicament serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparent and unbiased investigative processes. As the situation unfolds, the public remains watchful, hoping for genuine accountability and systemic reforms within the nation's primary law enforcement agency.​

Senate Moves Forward with Impeachment Trial Against VP Sara Duterte – Escudero Speaks Out!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has formally notified Vice President Sara Duterte regarding the Senate’s preparations for the impeachment trial following the transmission of the Verified Impeachment Complaint from the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025.

In a letter addressed to the Vice President, Escudero outlined the steps taken by the Senate to ensure that the trial proceeds in an orderly, transparent, and fair manner, in full compliance with constitutional provisions and established legal procedures.

Senate Preparations for the Impeachment Trial

To facilitate the trial, the Senate has initiated the following measures:

Reviewing the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials to assess necessary amendments.

Preparing the Senate session hall to accommodate the Senators as judges, the prosecution, the defense, and the media.

Implementing enhanced security protocols, including visitor registration and designated areas for trial participants.

Strengthening logistical and technical support, ensuring stable internet connectivity, power supply, and digital documentation of proceedings.

Procuring essential trial materials, including robes for Senator-judges and necessary legal references.

Engaging external legal experts, consultants, and researchers to provide objective guidance throughout the process.

Establishing an e-filing system for the submission of pleadings and court orders.

"The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law, due process, and judicial fairness. This impeachment trial is not merely a legal proceeding—it is a solemn responsibility that requires the highest standards of integrity and impartiality," Escudero stated.

Impeachment Charges and Legal Challenges

The impeachment complaint, which was approved by 215 members of the House of Representatives, includes allegations of:

Conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Corruption and misuse of public funds

Unconstitutional acts violating public trust

While the Senate prepares for the trial, Vice President Duterte’s legal team has challenged the impeachment process before the Supreme Court, arguing that the complaint is politically motivated and lacks constitutional basis.

Senate's Role as the Impeachment Court

As mandated by the Philippine Constitution, the Senate will serve as the impeachment court, with Senator-Judges tasked with determining whether the Vice President should be removed from office. Escudero emphasized that all deliberations will be fact-based, independent, and free from political influence.

"The Senate is committed to conducting a trial that is fair, transparent, and grounded in justice. Every step will be taken to ensure that both the prosecution and defense have an equal opportunity to present their case," Escudero added.

Next Steps

A proposed calendar of proceedings has been distributed to all Senators. The Senate is expected to formally convene as an impeachment court in the coming weeks.

Escudero assured the public that the trial will adhere to a strict schedule and that the Senate will not tolerate any unnecessary delays or motions aimed at prolonging the proceedings.

"The nation deserves clarity, and we owe it to the Filipino people to resolve this matter with integrity, speed, and impartiality," Escudero concluded.