Thread by @artistangbayan

#FactsFirstPH to Filipinos: The battle for facts needs you. This is what more than 100 organizations from the media, coalitions, civil society, business, academe, law,

and the Church said as they launched a first-of-its kind initiative on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, called “#FactsFirstPH.”

#FactsFirstPH brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies.

"They may gag and blindfold you, silence and imprison you, but they will never be able to destroy what made you an artist in the first place—your brave and continuing dedication to the human race." — Lino Brocka, Concerned Artists of the Philippines (Chairperson, 1983-1985)

#FactsFirstPH will collectively push for truth-telling and debunking lies through four steps: fact-checking by news organizations; networking by civil society and grassroots groups; research and analysis by academic institutions; and seeking accountability by lawyers’ groups.

“The attack on facts is personal: if you defend the facts, you’re hammered down, intimidated to stay silent or join the mob. Those aren’t our only options. There is strength in standing up together.

Because now more than ever, we need facts,” Rappler CEO and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa said.

The goal of FactsFirstPH is to make truth spread faster and further than lies and hate. It’s a first-of-its-kind,

four-layer approach to help restore the integrity of elections, and give the public the information they need to choose the leaders they want on May 9.

As of Wednesday, January 26, over 100 organizations are part of this multi-sectoral initiative. More partners will be invited to the project.

This collaboration is supported by technology non-profit group Meedan, Rappler, and Google News Initiative.

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