Poll offense cases, DQ eyed for bets using AI, deep fakes

CANDIDATES that will be using artificial intelligence (AI) and deep fakes in the May 2025 national and local polls are likely to face disqualification and election offense cases.

This as Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia said he is set to propose the imposition of penalties once the Comelec decides to prohibit the use of AI and deep fake technology during the campaign period.

“We will propose to the Commission en banc that we make it as an election offense case as well as disqualification charges,” said Garcia in an interview on Monday.

“We will really file charges against them… If they want to question that policy, so be it,” he added.

Earlier, Garcia asked the Comelec en banc to prohibit the use of AI and deep fake technology during the May 2025 polls.

No decision has been rendered yet by the Commission en banc on Garcia’s proposal.

Yesterday, Garcia reiterated that allowing the new technology to be used during the campaign period would be dangerous.

“The entire country could face chaos if we allow the presence of AI and deep fake because it can make it appear that a person is bad, or very good, or good looking when it is not true,” said Garcia.

Once prohibited, he said the Comelec is prepared to file charges against candidates motu proprio (on its own).

“The Comelec cannot just allow such activities without taking actions,” said the official.