From Town Crier to Digital Media:
The Importance of Accurate Information in Today’s Society
Bernadine Mahinay
13 March 2026
Back in the days when the barangay wanted to inform its citizens of important news or policies to be implemented, it relied on the umalohokan, or the town crier, to make these announcements. The umalohokan played a unique and critical role in disseminating information coming from the barangay leaders. Fast forward to today, the town crier has taken new forms: broadsheets, radio and television stations, and now digital media.
As we navigate this modern landscape,we recognize that the source is just as important as the information itself, as well as how it is shared. Accurate information can help people learn more about the context of what they are trying to find and make sound decisions. It can also serve as a guide for distinguishing legitimate sources from hearsay or rumors.
In legislation, correct and accurate information is crucial for crafting laws that address societal issues and problems. Wrong Information, disinformation or simply the lack of proper information can result in a public policy that is misguided and will fail to achieve its purpose. It will give rise to unwanted discussions and invite amendments, thus prolonging the legislative process.
In today’s digital era, we are fortunate to no longer rely on a town crier for news and other information. People can now verify facts from various sources and critically assess what is true and what is misinformation. As receivers of information, we now have the power to discern which information to use and to undermine those who spread wrong information by choosing not to patronize them.
Currently, there is rampant proliferation of false information, especially on social media. While the Constitution recognizes our freedom of speech and of the press, this does not mean that one can just share any information, especially information that could mislead people and cause injury to persons, moral or otherwise. Given the multiple channels of communication today, false information can spread quickly, whether deliberate or accidental. Fortunately, the same platforms that facilitate the spread of false information also allow legitimate sources to correct these inaccuracies. This will give the public the ability to choose which information source they consider legitimate.
To address this situation, the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media filed Committee Report No. 368 on Senate Bill No. 2880 entitled “ An Act implementing the people’s right to information and constitutional policies of full public disclosure and honesty in the public service and for other purposes”. The bill, when enacted into law, will highlight that the right to correct information from credible sources, its accessibility, and transparency across all branches of government are crucial to empowering the citizenry to access accurate information in today’s digital world.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the House of Representatives, the Senate of the Philippines, or the Development Academy of the Philippines.
