Lacson alarmed over use of social media for disinformation

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Monday backed the proposal of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to verify the YouTube accounts of political candidates, as he lamented how social media has become a tool for disinformation to deceive the electorate.

In a statement, Lacson said the verification of candidates’ accounts was a “much-needed step and a welcome move” for the Comelec to ensure the integrity of next year’s elections.

“I couldn’t agree more with the Comelec on this move. The use of social media platforms has almost become the qualifying barometer in educating — but ironically, also disinforming to the point of deceiving — our people,” he said.

Lacson, who is standard- bearer of Partido Reporma, made the statement in reaction to Comelec’s pronouncement that it would work with video sharing and streaming platform YouTube to verify the official accounts of candidates.

James Jimenez, spokesperson for the Comelec, said the poll body would ask YouTube to add a verified badge for official candidates that declare their official YouTube channels.

According to Lacson, social media platforms have the potential to misinform the public if left unchecked.

Lacson expressed hope that similar moves would also be implemented in other social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and others, to encourage responsibility and accountability or at least before the campaign period starts in February next year.

This measure will help in preparing Filipino voters to select the right leader on May 9, 2022, he said.

“Left unchecked, social media could lead to wrong choices of officials who will have the unenviable task of leading our country in its most trying times,” he added.