The hashtag “#KapagNawalaAngFacebook” became a trending topic on Twitter. This comes after President Rodrigo Duterte addressed social media platform Facebook after taking down several pages and accounts that are supportive of the government’s ‘advocacies.’
On September 22, Facebook released a part of their September report and said that they have tracked several fake accounts and pages originating from China, Philippines, and other parts of South East Asia that violated their policy against “coordinated inauthentic behavior” (CIB). The Silicon Valley giant also posted samples of the content created by the pages and accounts.
During his weekly public address, the President questioned Facebook’s purpose in operating in the country after taking down accounts that are supportive of the government’s ‘interests’ and ‘advocacies.’
“Facebook, listen to me. We allow you to operate here, hoping that you could help us also. Now, if [the] government cannot espouse or advocate something [that] is for the good of the people, then what is your purpose here in my country?” Duterte said.
“If you cannot help me protect government interest, then let us talk. We may or we may not find the solution. If we cannot, then I’m sorry,” he added.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque then clarified that the President did not intend to shutdown Facebook and only ‘needed a talk’ with them.
Netizens start to make #KapagNawalaAngFacebook trending
There were mixed reactions on Twitter if ever Facebook would be gone for good in the country. While some took it lightly, others also thought of the people who heavily rely on it such as small business owners who uses Facebook to sell their products.
Check out these tweets below:
#KapagNawalaAngFacebook
— Ruds Antonio (@rudsantonio) October 1, 2020
People will not going to remember when is my birthday.#TheMorningRush @RX931
#KapagNawalaAngFacebook I’ll have less negativity and toxicity in my life. #TheMorningRush @RX931
— The Super Malas Guy (@Arkiemon) October 1, 2020
#KapagNawalaAngFacebook,
— hope? ? gguk's day, sexy nukim! (@eternaljhsk) October 2, 2020
How can i access bts photos?????
#KapagNawalaAngFacebook
— MeMyselfandRice (@MisterUseOh) October 1, 2020
Family/Clan group chats will only happen during reunions#TheMorningRush @RX931
They will miss my shared posts? #KapagNawalaAngFacebook
— Aniiing?? (@KimNNLyn) October 2, 2020
#KapagNawalaAngFacebook I will miss those people who does facebook quizzes to find out what type of vegetable they are. NOT!! ???
— Charles Ruff (@charlesruff88) October 2, 2020
#KapagNawalaAngFacebook
— Rosemin Depulco (@RDepulco) October 1, 2020
People have time to talk in reality.
#KapagNawalaAngFacebook most among the small-scale online businesses, a major backbone of our economy, will be stripped off of their business platform
— jas? JK DAY, SEXY NUKIM | uni & adulting ?? (@daisystarburst) October 2, 2020
What would you do #KapagNawalaAngFacebook?