MANILA, Philippines – From the bigger perspective, what does Sass Sasot's threat to members of the Union of Progressive Students (UPS) imply?
Earlier this month, Netherland-based blogger Sass Sasot threatened a political party at the University of the Philippines-Cebu with a libel suit if they fail to present substantial proof that she spreads fake news.
This came after socio-political group UPS published her picture along with Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson in a promotional poster of an event called "What the fact," a UPS-organized event tackling fake news.
“Since none of us were invited to the event, the inclusion of our picture is to imply that we are distributing fake news. I will let the other two in the poster speak for themselves, but I am protesting this malicious imputation that I am spreading fake news,” Sasot said in the letter.
Members of the political organization believed that the libel threat of the pro-Duterte blogger is a direct attack on their freedom of expression.
Why Sass’ face is on the poster?
Asked why they included the blogger in the poster, Nikkai Carreon, UPS Vice Chairman for Political Affairs, cited the blogger's controversial statements on her social media account. (READ: #MagkaibaYan: 'Fake news' vs fiction trends on Twitter)
“Ms Sasot spreads fake news, and even rationalizes them. Her ‘buntis si Leni (Leni is pregnant) 'and 'international media is destabilizing' are examples,” Carreon told Rappler.
Carreon also argued that Sasot defends personalities who spread and create fake news. She said that by doing so, she legitimizes fake news which is even worse than posting fake news itself.
In a Facebook live interview with Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, UPS Adviser Jason Baguia explained that there is enough theory and published scientific papers about fake news which include the kind of information posted on the blogger’s page, making Sasot a fake news blogger.
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Students’ security
The event pushed through but it was held in a different venue. Organizers also limited the event to a selected audience.
After Sasot reposted the poster on her blog, her followers threatened students who were involved in the event.
“For the safety and benefit of our members, we have to refrain from engaging Sasot in social media, as her army of trolls has continued to harass and berate, even threaten, our members online,” Carreon said.
UPS reiterated that it has nothing to apologize for and will sustain and strengthen the fight for their freedom of expression and civil liberties against those who threaten to deprive them of these rights. (READ: Pro-Duterte bloggers argue for use of profane language after accreditation)
Resolving the issue
In a reply to Sassot’s letter, UP Cebu Office of Student Affairs Coordinator Ellen Grace Funesto stressed that UP Cebu Administration values academic independence and freedom of expression. She added that the school administration encourages their students to practice critical thinking and be informed about the issues within and outside the campus.
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“The UP Cebu Administration does not meddle, censor, or interfere with the students’ activities for as long as it complies with the laws, rules, and guidelines,” Funesto said.
Funesto also suggested to Sasot to file a formal complaint with her office if she wished.
Baguia, for his part, said: “Journalists and persons who engage in communication should come to a dialogue with each other. This doesn't need to be a war since everybody claims that what they’re doing online is for the country.” – Rappler.com