Russian Disinformation Campaign Investigated, Findings Released

Representative Terry L. Ridon has filed a resolution in the House calling for an investigation into alleged disinformation operations by Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), emphasizing both content scrutiny and financial accountability of entities involved in spreading fake news.

House Resolution 980, introduced yesterday, aligns with Speaker Faustino Dy III’s campaign against misinformation while extending scrutiny to the operational structure, funding mechanisms, and tax compliance of organizations engaged in disinformation activities.

“This is in full support of the Speaker’s fight against fake news—but we must go beyond content and examine the operations behind it, including how these are funded and whether they are compliant with tax laws,” Ridon stated.

The resolution specifically targets PGMN following viral content attributed to the network that allegedly misrepresented electricity bill increases. The material in question featured different Customer Account Numbers (CANs), raising concerns about deliberate manipulation of information on a sensitive economic issue affecting Filipino households.

“For ordinary Filipino households already burdened by high electricity costs, this is not just irresponsible—it is deceptive,” Ridon explained. “Real issues should not be exploited through fabricated or misleading content.”

The investigation would examine not only the content distributed by PGMN but also its business model, revenue streams, and tax compliance history. Ridon has raised concerns that monetized disinformation operations may be evading proper taxation and regulation.

“If these disinformation operations are monetized—and there are strong indications that they are—then the question is simple: are they properly declared, taxed, and regulated?” the lawmaker questioned. “Otherwise, this raises serious concerns of tax evasion.”

The timing of this resolution comes amid growing national concern about the proliferation of fake news and its impact on public discourse and democratic processes in the Philippines. In recent years, social media platforms have become battlegrounds for information and misinformation, with various entities employing sophisticated tactics to shape public opinion on critical issues.

Energy costs remain a particularly sensitive topic in the Philippines, where electricity rates are among the highest in Southeast Asia. Misinformation on such issues can create unwarranted public panic or misdirect attention from genuine policy concerns, according to media analysts.

The proposed inquiry will involve coordination with multiple government agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). This multi-agency approach signals the comprehensive nature of the investigation, examining potential violations ranging from disinformation practices to tax evasion.

“We will not allow legitimate public concerns to be weaponized by disinformation networks,” Ridon emphasized. “This is about protecting the public—not only from fake news, but from coordinated operations that exploit real issues for influence, profit, or manipulation.”

Media watchdog groups have welcomed the focus on financial accountability, noting that following money trails often reveals the true scale and intent of disinformation operations. The Philippines has witnessed an explosion of online news sources in recent years, with varying degrees of credibility and transparency in ownership and funding.

The resolution is expected to be referred to the House Committee on Public Information, which will determine the scope and timeline for the investigation. If approved, hearings would likely include testimonies from PGMN representatives, media experts, and government regulators.

This initiative represents a significant escalation in the government’s approach to tackling fake news, moving beyond content regulation to examine the business structures that may incentivize and sustain systematic disinformation campaigns.