The article discusses the growing concern of disinformation, particularly in the Philippines, highlighting a case involving Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Francis Lim. He mistakenly circulated false information about flood control scandals, claiming they resulted in a P1.7-trillion market value loss due to investor panic. Lim later retracted his statement, admitting it was based on fictitious data he believed came from a credible source.
The article underscores the implications of such errors in leadership positions, especially in sectors where accuracy is crucial, like finance. Lim’s slip is noted as particularly surprising given his extensive experience in related fields. It suggests that cognitive bias can cloud judgment, leading individuals to accept information that aligns with their beliefs without thorough verification.
The piece emphasizes the responsibility of journalists to scrutinize claims carefully, particularly in an era where disinformation spreads rapidly. It calls for heightened vigilance amongst political, business, and social actors to combat the proliferation of misleading information.
