In the budget deliberation for the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on November 25, 2025, Sen. Robin Padilla raised concerns over the alleged use of government-funded trolls.

Padilla emphasized the damaging impact of online harassment, stressing the growing number of victims.

“Alam naman po natin na ang troll ay pinanggagalingan ng bullying,” he said, noting that trolls contribute to a toxic online environment.

He then directly questioned the agency’s stance:

“Ang atin po bang ahensiya at PCO ay naniniwala na dapat may troll ang gobyerno?”

Sen. Loren Legarda, who sponsors the PCO’s budget, responded after clarifying with PCO officials present during the hearing. She firmly reiterated the agency’s position:

“Hindi ko kailangan itanong sa kanila, dapat ‘wala.’ And ayon sa kanila ay wala.”

Legarda further explained her role in relaying the agency’s official responses.

“Again, I am defending their budget, and I'm only saying this based on what is transmitted to me… So, I am told they don’t have trolls. I am told they do not use government funds for fake news.”

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