Ballot watchdogs laud Comelec’s replace on social media rules

MANILA, Philippines — Ballot watchdogs Parish Pastoral Council for Accountable Voting (PPCRV) and Nationwide Residents’ Motion for Free Elections (Namfrel) on Tuesday expressed their assist for the Fee on Election (Comelec)’s latest modification on the social media rules for digital election marketing campaign.

PPCRV Nationwide Coordinator Dr. Arwin Serrano and Namfrel Nationwide Chairperson Lito Averia that the modification supplied a clearer roadmap on who’s required to register their social media accounts for the digital campaigning.

“The rationale for the modification is an effective factor, due to the correct to privateness… There have been solutions on why the accounts of those that assist candidates must be included within the registration and regulation,” Serrano mentioned in an ambush interview.

READ: Comelec amends rule on social media accounts registration

Averia additionally mentioned that the ballot watchdog helps Comelec disseminate info on the registration and regulation of social media accounts.

“We’re posting info in our web site and socmed channels in regards to the requirement for registration. Not solely that, pati (even) for the good thing about the voters. It’s a part of our voters schooling program,” Averia mentioned in a separate ambush interview.

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In response to Comelec Decision No. 11064-A, the ballot physique additionally amended the rule on social media tips by eradicating the supply that the accounts of personal people should even be registered and controlled. The Comelec mentioned the modification goals to uphold the liberty of speech and expression of personal residents.

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The social media account registration is a part of the regulation of digital election campaigning. It goals to control the usage of synthetic intelligence and prohibit the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation.

Additional, Serrano mentioned that the social media regulation is a “good begin” for the 2025 polls and the succeeding ones.

“It is a superb begin. After the 2025 elections, let’s see. Shifting ahead, I’m positive there could be room for enchancment. So let’s see till we polish this,” Serrano famous.

“This may be a prelude to changing into a legislation,” he added.