Comelec eyes to regulate role of social media influencers in political ad campaigns for 2025 midterm

Summary

The official campaign period for national candidates and party alliances will begin in two weeks. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is taking steps to regulate the role of influencers in political campaigns, requiring contracts and transparency in spending, which must be reported in candidates’ Statements of Contributions and Expenditures. In addition, COMELEC has partnered with TikTok to monitor political content and intends to enforce stricter guidelines for surveys conducted during the campaign period. These measures aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair practices throughout the election process.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The official campaign period for national candidates and party license begins in two weeks.
• ⚖️ The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is considering new regulations for influencers participating in political campaigns.
• 📜 Influencers may be required to have contracts when promoting candidates.
• 💰 Transparency in campaign spending by influencers will be mandated.
• 📝 Candidate statements of contributions and expenditures must include influencer-related expenses.
• 🤝 COMELEC has partnered with TikTok to regulate political content on the platform.
• 📊 Stricter guidelines for conducting surveys during the campaign period will be implemented.
• 🔍 The regulations aim to ensure accountability and prevent undisclosed political promotion.
• 💡 Influencer involvement in campaigns is being formally recognized and regulated.
• 📌 These measures indicate a broader effort to modernize election oversight for digital platforms.

Q & A

When does the official campaign period for national candidates and party lists begin?

The official campaign period begins in two weeks.

What is the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) considering regarding influencers?

COMELEC is considering regulating influencers in political campaigns, requiring them to have contracts and ensure transparency in campaign spending.

How must influencer spending be reported?

Spending by influencers must be included in the candidate’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

Which social media platform has COMELEC partnered with to regulate political content?

COMELEC has partnered with TikTok to regulate political content on the platform.

What type of guidelines does COMELEC plan to implement during the campaign period?

COMELEC plans to implement stricter guidelines for surveys conducted during the campaign period.

Why is COMELEC focusing on influencer regulation?

Influencers have a significant impact on public opinion, and regulating them ensures transparency and accountability in campaign spending.

What is the purpose of including influencer spending in the SOCE?

Including influencer spending in the SOCE ensures full disclosure of campaign expenditures and maintains fairness in the election process.

Are contracts required between candidates and influencers?

Yes, contracts are being considered as a requirement to formalize agreements and ensure compliance with campaign rules.

What issues are being addressed by the stricter survey guidelines?

Stricter survey guidelines aim to prevent misleading results and maintain transparency and accuracy in public opinion polling during the campaign period.

How does the partnership with TikTok help COMELEC?

The partnership helps COMELEC monitor and regulate political content, ensuring that campaigns follow rules and prevent misinformation on the platform.