Comelec to strictly monitor social media

COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said the poll body will tighten its oversight of social media during the 2025 midterm election campaign, introducing a series of stringent measures aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the digital realm.

In an exclusive interview with Dante Francis Ang II, The Manila Times chairman and CEO, on the program «Chairman's Report» aired on IBC-13, Garcia said among these is a requirement for all candidates and their campaign teams to register their social media accounts by Dec. 30, 2024.

He said failure to comply could result in disqualification from the elections, marking a significant escalation in the poll body's regulatory approach.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia (left) with The Manila Times Chairman Dante Ang II. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

In outlining the new measures, Garcia emphasized the role of social media in modern electoral campaigns and the need to safeguard the integrity of information being disseminated online.

«We have seen in recent years how social media can be used to manipulate public opinion, spread misinformation, and circumvent campaign finance regulations,» he said. «This time, we are taking proactive steps to address these issues head-on.»

Garcia stressed that the registration mandate, which applies to both candidates and campaign staff, is part of a broader effort to create a more level playing field in an increasingly digital landscape.

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Registered accounts will be monitored by the Comelec's new Cybersecurity and Campaign Monitoring Unit, which will track online activity, ensuring compliance with election rules, including limits on campaign spending and the prohibition of negative or defamatory content.

Garcia added that the initiative reflects the poll body's commitment to transparency.

«We want to make sure that every online post, advertisement, and promotion is traceable to an authorized campaign account. This prevents the misuse of anonymous or fake accounts and holds candidates accountable for the information they release,» he said.

Under the new policy, any candidate or political organization that fails to register their social media