JE C.C.
Vlogger and staunch supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Mocha Uson, has stirred controversy online over her contrasting sentiments regarding the shutdown of major media outlets.
Notably supportive of the closure of ABS-CBN, Uson’s recent criticism of the Meta-initiated termination of SMNI’s social media pages has raised eyebrows among netizens.
Uson has long been an outspoken critic of ABS-CBN, advocating for its closure as a deserved sanction for alleged violations. In 2020, the network’s franchise renewal was denied, a decision speculated to have been influenced by pressure from Duterte himself, who claimed the media giant was biased against him during his presidential campaign. Despite government agencies declaring ABS-CBN clear of wrongdoing, the network shut down its free television operations and transitioned to a content provider model through digital streaming and partnerships with rivals like GMA and TV5.
In contrast, Uson criticized Meta’s decision to suspend SMNI’s accounts, alleging the action was an infringement on freedom of speech. SMNI stands accused of disseminating bias and fake news, leading to the suspension of several of its social media accounts, including YouTube. The National Telecommunications Commission also revoked SMNI’s franchise, aligning it with the adverse actions previously taken against ABS-CBN.
Ngumangawa si Mocha Uson ngayon ng Freedom of Expression para sa mga Fake News Peddlers na DDS? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Samantalng sila 'tong tuwang-tuwa nung pinulitika ni Duterte ang ABS-CBN at pinasara, kahit malinaw namn noon sa mga Hearing na wala silang mga nilabag na batas. 🙃 https://t.co/WQ0yMQPUS0 pic.twitter.com/XJZrSexVwe
— Phil (@iamphilrb) March 21, 2025
Netizens took to social media to highlight the apparent hypocrisy in Uson’s stance. One user, Phil (@iamphilrb) expressed disbelief, stating, “Ngumangawa si Mocha Uson ngayon ng Freedom of Expression para sa mga Fake News Peddlers na DDS? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Samantalang sila ‘tong tuwang-tuwa nung pinulitika ni Duterte ang ABS-CBN at pinasara, kahit malinaw naman noon sa mga Hearing na wala silang mga nilabag na batas.” This comment encapsulates the growing frustration among many who perceive Uson’s critique of SMNI as inconsistent with her previous support for shutting down ABS-CBN.
Uson’s return to the political conversation also coincides with ongoing congressional investigations into the rise of fake news in the country. Content creators such as MJ Reyes and Krizette Chu have been summoned to provide clarity on social media claims regarding hoax drug war incidents and alleged mass police resignations linked to Duterte’s recent ICC arrest. This has led netizens to question whether Uson, among others associated with spreading misinformation, should also be called to testify.
As the discourse on media freedom and accountability continues, Uson’s divided sentiments serve as a reminder of the complex relationship between political support, media influence, and the evolving landscape of information dissemination in the Philippines.
