How Politicians Leverage Election Surveys to Create a Bandwagon Effect and Sway Voters

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the vibrant tapestry of Philippine democracy, the integrity of electoral processes stands paramount. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia has been at the forefront, emphasizing the critical importance of transparency and adherence to established guidelines in various facets of the electoral system.

Ensuring Integrity in Election Surveys

Chairman Garcia underscores that while election surveys, including those conducted on social media platforms, are constitutionally protected, they must comply with specific standards to maintain their validity and reliability. He references the Supreme Court's landmark decision in the case of Social Weather Stations (SWS) vs. Comelec (G.R. No. 147571, May 5, 2001), which affirmed the legality of such surveys, provided they adhere to certain criteria. Garcia emphasizes the necessity for survey organizations to disclose key information:

The commissioning entity

Methodology for selecting respondents

Question formulation process

Scientific methods employed

This transparency ensures that the public can critically assess the credibility and objectivity of survey results.

Vigilance Against Electoral Malpractices

In a resolute stance against vote-buying, Chairman Garcia has issued stern warnings to candidates and their supporters. He asserts that the Comelec holds vote-buying in the same contempt as election-related violence and is committed to prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law. Garcia's message is unequivocal: "If you got away with it in the past, not this time." He cautions that individuals involved in such illicit activities, including those who provide financial incentives to sway votes, will face criminal charges and potential perpetual disqualification from holding public office. 

mb.com.ph

Advocacy for Non-Partisan Barangay Elections

Highlighting concerns over the non-partisan nature of barangay elections, Chairman Garcia has called upon Congress to clearly define and enforce regulations that prevent political interference. He points out that the involvement of political figures in ostensibly non-partisan local elections undermines the democratic process. Garcia advocates for legislative measures that explicitly prohibit endorsements and interventions by individuals who are not candidates, thereby preserving the integrity of barangay elections. 

gmanetwork.com

Commitment to Transparent Electoral Debates

Looking ahead to the May 2025 midterm elections, the Comelec has expressed its openness to facilitating electoral debates. Chairman Garcia believes that such debates, managed by media entities with Comelec's supervision, provide a platform for candidates to present their platforms, articulate their positions on critical issues, and engage in meaningful discourse. This initiative aims to empower voters with the information necessary to make informed decisions at the ballot box. 

inquirer.net

Call to Action: Upholding Democratic Values

Chairman Garcia's initiatives reflect a broader commitment to upholding the principles of democracy in the Philippines. By advocating for transparency in election surveys, taking a firm stand against vote-buying, promoting non-partisan local elections, and encouraging informed voter engagement through debates, the Comelec under his leadership strives to ensure that the electoral process remains fair, transparent, and reflective of the will of the people.

As the nation approaches the upcoming elections, the active participation of an informed electorate, coupled with stringent adherence to electoral laws and guidelines, remains crucial in safeguarding the democratic process.

House of Representatives Calls 40+ Social Media Personalities to Testify on Fake News and Disinformation

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine House of Representatives is set to hold a highly anticipated hearing on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, tackling one of the most pressing issues in the digital age: fake news and disinformation.

Led by the House Tri-Committee—which includes the Committees on Public Order and Safety, Public Information, and Information and Communications Technology—the inquiry aims to examine the widespread proliferation of false information online, its implications on national security, and potential policy measures to curb its impact.

The Big Question: Who is Responsible for Fake News?

To gain deeper insights, over 40 influential social media personalities have been invited to serve as resource persons. Among them are prominent figures known for their strong online presence, particularly pro-Duterte influencers, such as:

Sass Rogando Sasot

Lorraine Marie Badoy-Partosa

Jeffrey Almendras Celiz

Lord Byron Cristobal (Banat By)

Claire Eden Contreras (Maharlika Boldyakera)

Other notable invitees include political analysts, legal professionals, bloggers, and content creators who have shaped online discourse in recent years. The list includes:

Malou Tiquia

Jose Yumang Sonza

Krizette Lauretta Chu

Mark Anthony Lopez

MJ Quiambao Reyes

Vivian Zapata Rodriguez

Ethel Pineda

Alex Destor (Tio Moreno)

Aaron Peña (Old School Pinoy)

Glen Chong

Manuel Mata Jr. (Kokolokoy)

Elizabeth Joie Cruz (Joie De Vivre)

Claro Ganac

Jonathan Morales

Cyrus Preglo (Optics Politics)

Maricar Serrano

Ernesto S. Abines Jr. (Jun Abines)

Atty. Trixie Cruz Angeles

Julius Melanosi Maui (Maui Spencer)

Darwin Salceda (Boss Dada TV)

Elmer Jugalbot (Eb Jugalbot)

Cathy Binag

MJ Mondejar

Suzanne Batalla (IamShanwein)

Joe Smith Medina (Political Witch Boy)

Jeffrey G. Cruz (JCCO / JJ Cruz)

Alven L. Montero

Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan (Mr Realtalker)

Edwin Jamora (Reyna Elena)

Ma Florinda Espenilla-Duque (Pebbles Duque)

Dr. Richard Tesoro Mata (Dr. Richard and Erika Mata)

Ahmed Paglinawan (Luminous by Trixie & Ahmed)

Ryan Lingo

Atty. Enzo Recto (Atty. Ricky Tomotorgo)

Ross Flores Del Rosario (Wazzup Pilipinas)

Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, is a particularly notable inclusion. Known for his fearless and credible approach to online journalism, Del Rosario has built Wazzup Pilipinas into one of the most influential digital news platforms in the Philippines, covering major national and global issues.

Government’s Stand Against Fake News

Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, Chair of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, has been vocal about the dangers of online disinformation.

"We will not allow social media to be used to deceive our countrymen. It is time to implement stricter laws to combat fake news and disinformation," Fernandez declared.

The hearing aims to identify weaknesses in existing digital policies and introduce stronger measures to regulate misleading content. Fernandez also stressed that fake news creates fear and division among Filipinos and must be stopped before it undermines democracy.

Tech Giants Under Scrutiny

The committee has also invited representatives from major social media platforms—Google, Meta (Facebook), and ByteDance (TikTok)—to provide insights into how their platforms handle fake news and what measures they have in place to prevent the spread of disinformation.

Tech companies have been under global pressure to strengthen their fact-checking efforts and increase accountability for content creators and misinformation peddlers. Their testimony in this hearing is expected to shed light on how the Philippines can enforce stricter regulations moving forward.

A Critical Turning Point for Digital Policy

With the increasing role of social media in shaping public opinion, this historic hearing could mark a turning point for digital governance in the Philippines. The presence of influential content creators—including those who have been accused of spreading fake news—could lead to heated debates and eye-opening revelations.

Will this investigation expose who is truly responsible for fake news? Or will it be used as a platform to defend and justify the online behavior of the invited personalities?

The nation watches closely as the House of Representatives takes on the challenge of dismantling the growing culture of disinformation.

What are your thoughts on this controversial hearing? Do you think it will be effective in combating fake news? Let us know in the comments!

The Rise of Social Media Influencers in Philippine Elections: Comelec Eyes Regulation and Taxation

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Gone are the days when only celebrities, athletes, religious leaders, and business moguls were the go-to endorsers of political candidates. In today’s digital age, politicians are now tapping into the power of social media influencers to amplify their campaigns. Recognizing this shift, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set its sights on regulating and scrutinizing campaign expenditures involving these digital personalities.

The Growing Influence of Social Media in Political Campaigns

Over the past decade, social media has evolved into a powerful tool for political campaigns. From paid advertisements to organic content, politicians have learned to leverage digital platforms to reach voters. In 2019, Comelec introduced new guidelines requiring candidates to declare their spending on social media ads and sponsored posts. These rules applied to both direct campaign materials and content created by influencers, regardless of whether they were in favor of or against a candidate. (Rappler)

Comelec’s Plan to Regulate and Tax Influencers

In July 2024, Comelec Chairman George Garcia announced the commission’s intent to collaborate with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to impose taxes on social media influencers who profit from endorsing political candidates. Garcia stated, “We want to tie up with BIR so that influencers will be properly taxed.” This initiative aims to ensure that influencers, like other campaign service providers, are held accountable for their earnings. (Philstar Life)

Beyond taxation, Comelec is also looking into setting regulations for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in campaigns. The goal is to prevent potential abuses, such as misinformation and deepfake content, which could manipulate public perception. Furthermore, Comelec seeks to work closely with major social media platforms to enforce these new policies. (Malaya)

Challenges in Regulating Social Media Campaigns

While Comelec has already taken steps to regulate social media usage in elections, enforcing these rules remains a challenge. In 2019, the commission announced that it would monitor social media influencers engaged in political campaigns. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez emphasized that “social media associates,” including paid influencers and digital campaigners, must submit reports detailing their earnings and the nature of their services, such as creating content for or against a candidate. (Rappler)

However, tracking these transactions remains complex, given the informal and sometimes undisclosed nature of influencer partnerships. With the rise of influencer marketing, many digital personalities receive compensation in the form of cash, gifts, or sponsorship deals, making it difficult to monitor actual spending.

Addressing the Rapid Evolution of Political Campaigns

As technology continues to shape the way elections are conducted, Comelec is adapting its policies to ensure fair and transparent electoral practices. The commission’s latest efforts aim to strike a balance between embracing digital advancements and preventing their misuse in the political landscape.

The rise of social media influencers in political campaigns introduces new challenges in regulation and taxation. As Comelec works towards a more structured and transparent approach, voters must remain vigilant and discerning, especially in an era where digital content can easily influence public opinion. Will these regulatory efforts be enough to maintain the integrity of elections, or will politicians and influencers find new ways to bypass them? The 2025 elections may serve as a critical test for the future of digital campaigning in the Philippines.