Czarina Faith Abuso

Elijah Ralph debate should influencers be held to the same standard as journalists

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

In the pilot episode of “YSpeak 2.0” aired on May 9, hosts Elijah Canlas and Ralph de Leon engaged in a heated yet friendly exchange as captains of the two opposing teams in the “Y or Y Not” segment, wherein they argued about holding influencers to the same standards as journalists.Each of them led a team of three students from the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), where the episode was filmed. Elijah represented the affirmative side tagged “Y,” while Ralph took the negative side labeled “Y Not.”Both captains joined their teams after their teammates were done delivering rapid rebuttals in relay fashion to present their respective arguments in the five-minute moderated open forum.Elijah argued that influencers should be held to the same standards as journalists, stressing that it would be unfair for the latter who have invested years in formal training and ethical practice if influencers were allowed to spread misinformation without accountability. He also highlighted the massive impact that influencers have, with many people now relying on them as their primary source of information.On the other hand, Ralph asserted that influencers should not be held to the same standards as journalists since journalism is bound by a strict code of ethics and should remain the primary source of credible news and information. This distinction, according to him, helps audiences differentiate between content meant for information, education, or entertainment.In his closing statement, Elijah reiterated that the vast reach of social media influencers makes it necessary for them to be held to higher standards and even encouraged them to undergo training similar to professional journalists.Ralph reaffirmed their stance and pointed out how “intrinsically wrong” Elijah’s use of a five-year-old child as an example to explain their side since minors should either be restricted from utilizing social media or be closely guided by adults in their media consumption. He concluded that journalistic standards and ethics exist precisely to help audiences determine which sources are credible for news and current affairs versus those intended for entertainment.Catch more inspiring conversations, youth-driven stories, and meaningful discussions on “YSpeak 2.0,” Saturdays at 10:45 PM, on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).

Hosts Elijah Canlas and Ralph de Leon go head-to-head in the pilot episode of “Y Speak 2.0,” debating whether influencers should be held to the same standards as journalists.

Hosts Elijah Canlas and Ralph de Leon go head-to-head in the pilot episode of “Y Speak 2.0,” debating whether influencers should be held to the same standards as journalists.

Elijah, Ralph debate: should influencers be held to the same standard as journalists | YSpeak 2.0

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

TV

Elijah, Ralph debate: should influencers be held to the same standard as journalists | YSpeak 2.0

Mary Ann Bardinas

Published May 10, 2026 12:22 AM PHT

|

Updated May 12, 2026 08:27 AM PHT

Read More:

YSpeak 2.0

Elijah Canlas

Ralph De Leon

River Joseph

Aya Fernandez

KD Estrada

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.