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Comelec to candidates: register verified online accounts by Jan. 31
By J.Lo
“We will consider social media campaign as broadcast, because we cannot stop them from posting,.. as this is free expression…we will control that in relation to spending limits. ..we released rules that would now say social media would be considered broadcast…but this would be limited to spending limits… social media presence will be major thing for campaign…great equalizer for people who have less funding”, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Antonio Kho Jr said poll body has issued resolution clarifying its rule on political ads posted online and on social media.
In Resolution No. 10748, the Comelec en banc said parties and candidates must register on or before January 31 all their verified accounts and sites, and those that will subsequently be verified, that are being or shall be used in election-related propaganda.
The poll body reiterated anew that only verified accounts and sites may run election-related propaganda, subject to the policies of the platforms.
The Comelec has previously said that only platform-verified accounts “may run electoral ads, and boost or promote electoral posts.”
An election lawyer, however, has called this rule “unconstitutional,” saying he hopes that Comelec will reconsider its “arbitrary” policy.
The Comelec will keep close watch of spending for political ads on social media in the upcoming 2022 elections.
In a forum, Kho said commission believes there will be increased use of social media and online platforms for campaign ads as there are plans to keep attendees of sorties limited with continuing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Online ads will be counted as broadcast ads, Kho said, and rules on spending limits will apply.
Kho explained that campaign ads in social media are still paid for and candidates must declare such expenses in their statement of contribution and expenditures (SOCE).
Exceeding ad spending for an electoral campaign is a violation. Kho warned that many political candidates were earlier disqualified over excessive spending.
He, meanwhile, asked for understanding from the public following complaints of premature campaigning of some candidates.
“There is a schedule when they can start campaigning. But prior to that period it is not considered campaigning. This is governed by law and jurisprudence. I hope you understand,” Kho said.
Among other guidelines Comelec has prepared for upcoming elections are crowd control guidelines in filing certificates of candidacy and allowing limited campaign sorties.
“In campaign sorties we are discussing measures on how to allow that but at the same time balance it with anti-COVID measures…we will allow campaign, but we will encourage them to use the Internet…we will probably limit who will attend miting de avance but will discourage carrying kids and hand-shaking in the campaigns,” Kho said.
Former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larazabal earlier said Comelec needs to have long-term plans in monitoring campaign ads in social media.
Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal also challenged Congress to pass a law prohibiting early campaigning for candidates. It will also help if media outfits refuse premature political ads, he added.
“I challenge Congress, if you are really sincere in enacting laws to reform our electoral system, you should restore or revive ‘yung radio, TV and print…. you ban this political advertisement that media entities should not be allowed to accept or to sell or to grant free of charge itong mga advertisement of persons who filed their certificates of candidacy because at the moment since there is no such thing as premature campaigning some candidates are advertising,” Macalintal said.
Kho also reiterated that a “no-election” scenario is impossible, citing how the Palawan plebiscite pushed through in the middle of a pandemic.
The pandemic did not also hinder voters from attending, Kho said, as the plebiscite registered a 60-percent turnout.
Comelec also shuns possibility of having two-day elections next year and is instead looking at extending voting hours, he concluded.
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