Research, best weapon against fake news – Thomasian historian

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Thomasian historian Jose Victor Torres stresses on the importance of research in combating fake news during the Manila International Book Fair last Sept. 15 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. (Photo by Hazel Grace S. Posadas/ The Varsitarian)

A THOMASIAN historian said research is key in combating fake news, during the Manila International Book Fair last Sept. 15 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.

Research will help Filipinos “have sharp, observant eyes” in discerning what is fake news or not, said journalism alumnus Jose Victor Torres during the launching of his newest title “El Periodismo Filipino, 1811-1910: The First Century of Philippine Journalism.”

“You dig [and] research. Never accept anything on the Internet as correct. You have to double-check your facts,” he said.

Torres also urged Filipinos to present accurate information to those who believe and spread fake news.

“If that kind of belief causes major changes or difficulties, it has to be addressed by giving data that explains. Show the data that is true, explain carefully [and] try at least to know why he or she believes in that,” he said.

El Periodismo Filipino, published by Vibal Group, is a scholarly book that presents a collection of periodicals, bibliographical notes, biographical information and insights on the first century of Philippine journalism.

Torres, together with Filipino-Spanish historian Jaime Marco, translated and annotated El Periodismo Filipino.

Torres received the Best Book of Historical Essays Award during the 36th National Book Awards for his “To the People Sitting in Darkness…and Other Footnotes of Our Past,” published by the UST Publishing House. with reports from Hazel Grace S. Posadas

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