Probe of pro-Marcos emergency text alert sought

MANILA, Philippines — Makabayan lawmakers want a congressional inquiry into the emergency text alerts that allegedly promoted the 2022 presidential bid of former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The six-member bloc on Wednesday filed House Resolution No. 2280, which urged the House information and communication technology panel to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation.

The emergency text alert in question contained Marcos’ initials and ended with the hashtag #BBM2022. It was sent on Wednesday after he filed his certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections.

In its resolution, the Makabayan lawmakers said the emergency text alert system was “apparently hijacked and was used for the political campaign” of Marcos. —Julie M. Aurelio