Philippine PR Society Condemns Disinformation Campaign Targeting West Philippine Sea Supporters
MANILA, Philippines – The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) has strongly denounced the alleged use of fake social media accounts and "keyboard warriors" to spread disinformation and attack supporters of the Philippines’ sovereign claims in the West Philippine Sea. The condemnation follows revelations made during a Senate hearing on April 24, where Senator Francis Tolentino, Majority Leader, disclosed excerpts from a purported contract between a public relations agency and the Chinese Embassy in Manila. The contract allegedly detailed the employment of “dedicated keyboard warriors” to influence public opinion on the maritime dispute.
The PRSP, the premier organization for communication professionals in the country, emphasized its commitment to ethical and truthful communication, asserting that PR should be used to serve the public good rather than manipulate public opinion. The organization expressed deep concern that these alleged activities undermine the integrity of the public relations profession and erode public trust. The PRSP reiterated its adherence to a strict Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, urging all its members to uphold the highest levels of integrity and transparency in their practice.
The organization acknowledged the legitimate role of public relations in advocating for clients and building positive reputations, but stressed that this should never come at the expense of truth and societal well-being. The PRSP expressed its dismay that not all communication practitioners are bound by a professional code of ethics, leaving room for unscrupulous actors to engage in manipulative tactics. The PRSP clarified that the use of disinformation and fake accounts is not representative of the values and practices of ethical PR professionals in the Philippines. The organization underscored the importance of distinguishing between legitimate advocacy and unethical manipulation in the field of public relations.
The allegations of a coordinated disinformation campaign have raised serious concerns about the potential damage to public discourse and the integrity of information shared online. The PRSP warned against the insidious effects of disinformation, particularly in a sensitive geopolitical issue like the West Philippine Sea dispute. The organization expressed concern that such campaigns could escalate tensions, mislead the public, and undermine efforts towards peaceful resolution. The PRSP called for increased public vigilance and critical evaluation of information encountered online, urging individuals to verify sources and be wary of manipulative narratives. The organization emphasized the importance of media literacy in empowering citizens to identify and resist disinformation campaigns.
The PRSP called on Philippine authorities to swiftly investigate the allegations and take decisive action against those involved in spreading disinformation. The organization stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and due process in pursuing accountability for these harmful activities. The PRSP also called on social media platforms to take responsibility for combating the spread of disinformation on their platforms. The organization urged social media companies to implement stricter measures to identify and remove fake accounts, bots, and other malicious actors engaging in disinformation campaigns. The PRSP underscored the crucial role of social media platforms in curbing the spread of harmful content and fostering a healthier online environment.
The PRSP affirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders, including government agencies, media organizations, and civil society groups, to counter disinformation and promote ethical communication practices. The organization emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing this complex challenge and safeguarding the integrity of public discourse. The PRSP called for greater transparency and accountability from all actors involved in the information ecosystem, including PR agencies, clients, and social media platforms. The organization reiterated its dedication to promoting responsible communication and building public trust in the profession of public relations. The PRSP believes that open and honest communication is essential for fostering a well-informed society and strengthening democratic values.
