Comelec amends rule on social media accounts registration

18 Nov 2024, 12:22 by Jown Manalo · INQUIRER.NET

Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Monday that it amended its social media guidelines for the 2025 midterm elections, removing the provision regulating the social media accounts of private individuals.

In a memorandum dated November 18, the Comelec ruled that only official social media accounts, pages, and other online and internet-based campaign platforms of candidates and political parties will be required to register with the Comelec Education and Information Department.

This decision was made after consultations with stakeholders, during which the issue of freedom of expression was discussed and considered, according to the Comelec.

“The freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution, serving as a cornerstone of a democratic society by ensuring open dialogue, the free exchange of ideas, and the protection of individual opinions, allowing Filipinos to speak freely on various issues, including politics, governance, social issues and the elections,” the Comelec’s memorandum read.

Last November 12, Alliance of Concerned Teachers president Antonio Tinio had a dialogue with Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia to discuss the guidelines on social media regulation as part of the digital election campaign.

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According to Tinio, Garcia conceded that it was an overreach, prompting the Comelec to recommend the amendment of guidelines on social media registration.

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READ: Comelec to decide on removing regulation of private social media accounts

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The Comelec also said that only candidates, political parties, party-list organizations, and their authorized representatives may submit their registration forms for their official social media accounts and pages, websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, and other online and internet-based campaign platforms.

The poll body will also require a notarized affidavit of undertaking to ensure that candidates and their social media campaign managers shall not misuse social media, artificial intelligence, and internet technology for disinformation or misinformation against any party or the electoral process, the Comelec, and the Philippine election system.

“Nor will the same social media campaign be funded or used by any foreign entity to influence and intervene in the Philippine election and Comelec affairs,” the Comelec added.

The Comelec maintained that the registration of social media accounts must be completed on or before December 13, 2024.

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