7 in 10 Filipinos See Fake News as Big Problem; Facebook Top Online Source

MANILA, Philippines — Seven out of 10 Filipino adults, or 72 percent, consider disinformation a big problem in the Philippines, according to the latest Pulse Asia Survey released on Monday. The survey conducted from June 28 to July 3 and on July 6 said that the dominant online news source for Filipinos is Facebook, with 91 percent saying they use it for news. The survey also found that 68 percent of Filipinos believe that fake news is a problem that affects them personally. This means that a majority of Filipinos are aware of the problem of fake news and its potential impact on their lives. However, the high usage of Facebook as a news source suggests that many may still be vulnerable to disinformation. The findings come at a time when the Philippines is preparing for a general election in 2025, where disinformation could play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing voting outcomes. Experts have warned that disinformation campaigns can be used to sow discord, manipulate voters, and undermine democratic institutions. In response to the growing concern over fake news, various initiatives have been launched in the Philippines to combat disinformation. These include media literacy programs, fact-checking websites, and efforts by social media platforms to remove fake accounts and content. However, the challenge remains significant, as disinformation actors continue to evolve their tactics and exploit new platforms and technologies. The high level of trust in Facebook as a news source, despite the prevalence of fake news, highlights the need for continued vigilance and education among the Filipino public.