The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to regulate influencers and artists who accept payments for endorsing political candidates on social media. Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia stated that the commission is studying whether to assume all online endorsements are paid to prevent candidates from concealing them as donations. The Comelec also aims to regulate online surveys, ensuring transparency regarding who commissioned them, respondent sources, and methodology. While not prohibiting online endorsements or surveys, the Comelec seeks to ensure proper tax compliance and adherence to guidelines.
As the official campaign period approaches, the Commission on Elections announced on Tuesday its plan to regulate influencers and artists who accept payments in exchange for endorsing political candidates on social media.
“Kinakailangan mapanagot din sila lalo na pinag-uusapan yung income tax, yung mismong statement of contributions and expenditures …hindi naman sila pipigilan, ang sinasabi lang: hanggang anong extent yung pag-uusap nila?” he explained. He clarified that the Comelec is not prohibiting candidates from hiring online endorsers. Instead, the commission wants to ensure that proper taxes are paid and that candidates and endorsers comply with forthcoming Comelec guidelines.
Garcia clarified that surveys are not prohibited but stressed the importance of properly disclosing key details, such as who commissioned the survey, the source of the respondents, the methods used, and other parameters involved in its conduct.
ELECTION REGULATION SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS SURVEYS
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Mandaue Mayor Disqualified from ElectionsJonas Cortes, the former mayor of Mandaue City, has been officially disqualified from running in the upcoming elections due to a decision by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The Comelec en banc issued a certificate of finality and entry of judgment on January 3, 2025, affirming their authority based on the 1993 Comelec Rules of Procedure. However, Cortes' camp is questioning the fairness of the process, citing the late issuance of the resolution and limited time for legal recourse. Cortes can still potentially remain a candidate if the Supreme Court (SC) grants his petition for certiorari.
Read more »
Comelec Warns Against Early CampaigningThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) warns politicians against engaging in early campaigning, stating that it can alienate voters. Comelec chairman George Garcia acknowledges the inability to sanction candidates for pre-campaign activities due to the ongoing legal interpretation surrounding the commencement of the official campaign period. He expresses concern over politicians already utilizing billboards, television commercials, and newspaper advertisements, emphasizing the Comelec's responsibility to comply with the Supreme Court's ruling that a candidate is officially recognized only at the start of the campaign period.
Read more »
Comelec Urges Cooperation as Election Period Begins, Gun Ban EnforcedThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) has launched the election period for the May 2025 midterm polls, urging the public to cooperate with police and military checkpoints. Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the 'plain view doctrine' during inspections, limiting intrusive searches unless there's clear evidence of wrongdoing. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) vowed to strictly enforce the election gun ban, allowing only uniformed law enforcement personnel to carry firearms. Civilians requiring firearms must obtain special permits from Comelec.
Read more »
Supreme Court Halts Disqualification of Erice and Four Other CandidatesThe Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the disqualification of former Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice and four other candidates, prompting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to consider halting the printing of ballots for the 2025 midterm elections. The Comelec faces technical and logistical challenges if Erice's name is reinstated on the ballot. The SC also ordered the Comelec to accept the candidacy of other individuals and prohibited them from disqualifying certain candidates.
Read more »
6 Million Ballots Printed for May Polls Now Useless Due to Supreme Court OrderThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that 6 million ballots printed for the May polls are now useless due to a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) against the disqualification of former Caloocan City representative Edgar Erice. The TRO prevents the Comelec from disqualifying Erice and four other candidates, forcing the poll body to scrap the already printed ballots. The Comelec is now back to zero in terms of printing ballots and will have to reprint them, including Erice's name.
Read more »
Comelec Eyes January 22 for Resumption of Ballot PrintingThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering January 22, 2025, as the new date to restart printing official ballots for the May 2025 elections. The printing was halted due to Supreme Court orders against the Comelec's disqualification of some candidates. Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said extensive changes need to be made to the election management system, automated counting machines, and consolidation and canvassing system before printing can resume.
Read more »