BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – “Facebook, let’s talk.”
President Duterte called on Facebook to have “a talk” over the social media giant’s shutdown of hundreds of fake pages, including some tracing to the military, and police.
He also said FB is being “encouraged” by the Left, which he identified as the National Democratic Front, and the New People’s Army in the shutdown.
“You know Facebook, insurgency is about overturning the government. What would be the point of allowing you continue if you will not help us?” he said during the Cabinet briefing aired live over RTVM.
Duterte said even pages espousing on government advocacies like those on health, and the military operations were shutdown by Facebook.
“Facebook listen to me. We allow you to operate here hoping that you could help us also. Now, if government cannot espouse or advocate something which is for the good of the people, then what is your purpose here in my country?” he said.
Duterte called the shutdown of the pages a “sweeping move”, adding that by doing so, Facebook has shown that its position favors that of the Left.
The President further asked Facebook why the platform could not be used for the good of the people, and instead allows the promotion of insurgency, then “we have to talk”.
“Is there life after Facebook? I don’t know, but let’s talk.”
