HB 4544 Advances to joint deliberation, TWG formed to refine digital integrity measure

House Bill No. 4544, also known as the Truth and Integrity in Digital Communications Act of 2025, has moved forward following a joint deliberation by the House Committees on Public Information and on Information and Communications Technology, Bataan First District Rep. Tony Roman III announced.

Cong. Roman said the conclusion of the joint committee discussions paved the way for the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG), which has been tasked to consolidate various proposals and draft a substitute bill that reflects the points raised during deliberations. The TWG will fine-tune provisions of the measure to ensure clarity, balance, and responsiveness to current digital challenges.

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen accountability and transparency in digital communications amid the rapid spread of online disinformation and misleading content. At the same time, Roman emphasized that the bill is anchored on safeguarding constitutionally protected freedoms, particularly freedom of speech and of the press.

According to the lawmaker, the substitute bill will also place strong emphasis on digital literacy, recognizing the need to equip Filipinos with the skills to critically assess online information. This, he said, is crucial in promoting responsible digital citizenship without resorting to undue restrictions on expression.

House Bill 4544 was filed in response to growing concerns over the impact of false and manipulative online content on public discourse, democratic participation, and governance. It aims to establish clearer standards for truthfulness and integrity in digital platforms while defining the roles of stakeholders, including government agencies, digital service providers, and users.

Rep. Roman reiterated his commitment to pursuing a balanced measure that addresses harmful online practices while upholding democratic values. “Our goal remains to promote accountability and transparency in the digital space, without compromising the freedoms that are fundamental to our society,” he said.