Comelec calls on ‘digital natives’ to be vigilant, critical of online political campaigns

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MANILA, Philippines — “Digital natives” should be vigilant and critical of online campaigns as some politicians may shift to social media promotion for the 2022 elections Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez called on Thursday.

“Kaya sana ‘yung mga kabataan na siyang tinatawag nating mga “digital natives,” mga taong talagang bihasa sa mga galawan sa social media, mga nakakaintindi kung pa’no umandar ang social media, nananawagan din kami sa inyo na sana maging mapagmatiyag kayo, sana maging aware kayo dun sa mga pinapanood ninyo, at sana maging mapanuri tayo,” Jimenez appealed during the voter registration launch of Star Magic and Bayan Mo, Patrol Mo.

(We hope the youth who we call “digital natives,” those who are used to the moves in social media, who understand how social media works, we appeal for you to be vigilant, aware, and critical.)

‘Hands off’

The poll body likewise stressed that the usual physical interaction between candidates and voters will not be allowed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“’Yung mga ginagawa ng politiko tuwing nangangampanya sila, ‘yung aakbay, bebeso, magkakamayan, bawal lahat ‘yan,” Jimenez said.

(Embracing, kissing, handshaking during the campaign period are all prohibited.)

Youth – driven

Jimenez likewise noted that the youth will be the “prime mover” in the 2022 elections.

“Hindi ako nage-exaggerate ‘pag sinasabi ko na sa darating na halalan, ang kabataan ang magiging prime mover. Kabataan talaga ang magsusulong,” Jimenez said.

He, however, admitted that the Comelec will be challenged by the seeming lack of interest of a number of young, qualified voters.

Jimenez said the youth makes up one-third of the voting population. In 2019, there were 22 million youth sector voters.

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