The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said that the creator of an AI-generated video questioning the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte shared by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa over the weekend may face possible charges.

In a radio interview on Wednesday, DICT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso said that the published video violates the Illegal Publication section Revised Penal Code House and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

"The source of the AI generated video may face these charges," Paraiso said.

In terms of attribution, the DICT said that those spreading the AI-generated video may also face possible charges.

"For the knowledge of the public, those who share the video may face charges, especially if those who shared it even included commentary because under the law, it's as if you're already the source," Paraiso explained.

Under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the sharing of fake news may be fined or face prison sentences.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Wednesday said that public officials have the responsibility to advocate for the truth, following Senator Bato Dela Rosa’s spreading of an AI-generated video questioning the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a press conference, House Spokesperson Princess Abante said that the House was saddened that a public official like Dela Rosa is propagating false information.

“As officials of the nation, we have a responsibility to advocate for the truth. Propagating fake and false information should not come from us, like posts on social media, whether it’s intrigue, defamation, allegations, or AI content. It’s sad that a public official is doing this,” Abante said.

A public official has the position to steer people’s sentiments and to serve as role models for the people, Abante said, and actions such as Dela Rosa’s are harmful.

“We should be responsible. This isn’t just irresponsible, it’s harmful for public officials to propagate and allow fake news and disinformation to spread,” Abante said.

Abante pushed for the continuation of talks on legislative measures to prevent the spread of fake news in the 20th Congress, as proposed by the House of Representatives Tri Committee on Fake News and Disinformation.

“We need to talk about what legislative measures need to be passed to have the right rules to avoid or lessen the spread of fake news in our country,” Abante added.

Dela Rosa over the weekend shared what appeared to be an AI-generated video of students explaining why they did not support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, with the senator reasoning that the messaging was the reason behind him sharing the video even if he knew it was AI-generated. Velle White/DMS