Comelec thanks Google, lauds no-political ads policy as ‘good news’

FILE PHOTO/REUTERS/Paresh Dave

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday thanked Google for its decision not to accept election-related advertisements in the Philippines ahead of the 2022 elections, calling it “good news.”

“Magandang balita ito na nagpo-pause sila or pansamantalang titigil sila sa pagtanggap ng political ads. The reason for that, obviously, is because sa tingin natin, pwedeng maglagay ng maraming ads at dyan mo maitatago ang gastos mo,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.

(Their decision to temporarily suspend accepting political ads is good news. Obviously, the reason for that is that we think candidates may place many ads and hide their expenses.)

The use of the digital space for political campaigns is not currently regulated, according to Jimenez.

He added that the poll body is also concerned about the proliferation of fake news and disinformation online during the election season.

“Nakikipag-usap naman tayo sa mga social media platforms at mayroon naman tayong arrangement with them na mas mabilis nating ma-identify, mapa-flag at matake down ‘yung mga fake news na nakikita natin,” he said.

(We have discussions with social media platforms and arrange with them to hasten the identification and takedown of fake news.)

“Kaya nga po tayo nagpapasalamat sa Google kasi maganda itong ginawa nila (That’s why we thank Google because what they did was good). This lightens the load somewhat and perhaps it will be a template for other social media companies to follow,” he noted.

Jimenez also pointed out that Google’s decision would lower the expenses of candidates and help level the playing field for those who cannot afford advertisements.

Meanwhile, Jimenez noted that politicians and their supporters can still post unpaid campaign materials online and the only prohibition is that they cannot buy space from Google’s platforms.

According to Google, its policy will apply to advertisements purchased through Google Ads, Display and Video 360, and shopping platforms advertisers intend to place on Google, YouTube, and partner properties.

READ: Google won’t accept election ads for 2022 national polls

The policy will cover the campaign period from February 8, 2022, to May 9, 2022.

In a statement, Google said it is “focusing its efforts and resources on upcoming election-related initiatives which aim to help people access useful and accurate information via product features and media literacy programs, encourage participation in the voting process, and help protect the integrity of the elections.”