Ballot watchdogs laud Comelec’s replace on social media laws

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 laws 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 proper to privateness… There have been strategies on why the accounts of those that assist candidates should be included within the registration and regulation,” Serrano stated in an ambush interview.

READ: Comelec amends rule on social media accounts registration

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

“We’re posting data in our web site and socmed channels in regards to the requirement for registration. Not solely that, pati (even) for the advantage of the voters. It’s a part of our voters training program,” Averia stated in a separate ambush interview.

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In line with 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 stated 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 stated that the social media regulation is a “good begin” for the 2025 polls and the succeeding ones.

“This can be a superb begin. After the 2025 elections, let’s see. Transferring ahead, I’m certain there could be room for enchancment. So let’s see till we polish this,” Serrano famous.

“This could be a prelude to changing into a regulation,” he added.