In a bold statement on social media, veteran actor and outspoken critic Romnick Sarmenta has called out content creators who are allegedly being compensated to spread misinformation.
His post comes amidst ongoing investigations by the House of Representatives into various social media influencers, including Krizette Chu and MJ Reyes, who are accused of disseminating fake news for monetary gain. The scrutiny also includes investigations into China-financed seminars aimed at influencers implicated in proliferating misinformation across various platforms.
Nauunawaan ko ang paghahanap-buhay. Pero sana sa maayos na paraan. Yung nagtratrabaho ka ng patas. Ng walang nilalamangan at dinadaya… yung hindi ka nagkakalat ng kasinungalingan para lang dumami ang manonood, yung di ka nagkakalat ng maling kaalaman, kapalit ng katotohanan.
— Romnick Sarmenta (@Relampago1972) March 21, 2025
Sarmenta emphasized the importance of integrity in content creation, stating, “Nauunawaan ko ang paghahanap-buhay. Pero sana sa maayos na paraan. Yung nagtratrabaho ka ng patas. Ng walang nilalamangan at dinadaya… yung hindi ka nagkakalat ng kasinungalingan para lang dumami ang manonood, yung di ka nagkakalat ng maling kaalaman, kapalit ng katotohanan,” he expressed on X, expressing his disdain for those who prioritize engagement over truth.
The seasoned actor highlighted that while the pursuit of a livelihood is understandable, it should not come at the expense of honesty and ethical principles. He expressed concern that individuals who propagate falsehoods are willing to compromise their values for financial gain and influence. “Dahil kung kaya mong ibenta ang katotohanan at ipagkalat ang mga bagay na magdadala sa kapahamakan, malinaw na kaya mong ipagbili ang sarili kapalit ng salapi… Doon… doon mo ipinqgpalit ang pagkatao mo sa maliit na halaga. Sayang. Sinayang mo ang iyong sarili,” Sarmenta remarked, criticizing those whose lives are squandered in the pursuit of profit from deception.
Moreover, Sarmenta raised concerns about the public’s growing dependence on content creators who present themselves as journalists, arguing that there is a fundamental difference between the two roles.
There is the huge difference between content creators and true journalists.
Content creators chase after views.
True journalists chase after the truth.
One understands accountability, the other wants to do accounting.— Romnick Sarmenta (@Relampago1972) March 21, 2025
“There is the huge difference between content creators and true journalists. Content creators chase after views. True journalists chase after the truth. One understands accountability; the other wants to do accounting,” he remarked, emphasizing that while content creators are driven by engagement metrics, true journalists prioritize uncovering and delivering the truth to their audience.
Sarmenta’s post has resonated with many, drawing attention to the rising concern over misinformation in the digital age and the responsibility that comes with being a content creator.
As investigations continue, his call for accountability serves as a critical reminder of the ethical obligations that should govern online discourse.
