Comelec to partner with Google, Microsoft and Meta for 2025 polls

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is set to partner with technology companies such as Microsoft, Meta and Google to combat misinformation related to the upcoming 2025 national and local elections.

Comelec Commissioner Nelson Celis on Tuesday said the guidelines and the document formalizing the partnership is currently being drafted by the poll body.

“Alam natin madami fake news dito sa Facebook. Yan maglalabas tayo ng resolution on fake news para mabawasan natin mga lumalaganap na maling information. Nangako naman sa atin ang Microsoft, Facebook, Tiktok, Google and Snapchat. Sila lahat sumusuporta at gagabayan ang Comelec sa 2025,” Celis said.

(We all know the proliferation of fake news on Facebook. We will come out with a resolution on fake news to counter misinformation. Microsoft, Facebook, TikTok, Google and Shapchat assured Comelec of their support and assistance for 2025.

The said companies will also help in voters education, Celis added.

The Comelec also plans to tap “credible social media influencers” in its campaign.

According to Celis, identifying individuals and groups deliberately spreading false information will also be pursued with the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Pati ho yung NBI, kasama rin ho natin ang PNP.  Of course Department Of Information And Communications Technology, kausap na po natin si Undersecretary Alex Ramos,” Celis said.

Celis was interviewed by members of the media in Malaybalay, Bukidnon where he led the COMELEC’s voters’ education and registration.

The event was attended by hundreds of students, many of whom will be voting for the first time in the midterm elections next year.

Yesterday, Celis, together with Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia visited a remote mountain village in San Fernando, Bukidnon for the special registration of members from the Tigwahanon indigenous group.—RF, GMA Integrated News