The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that at least 393 YouTube channels of political candidates in the coming 2022 national and local elections have already been verified.
“Verification of accounts is a step towards ensuring the availability of trusted and credible sources of information for the public – a vital part of the fight against disinformation. And that is happening because the Comelec steadfastly pursued its policies, despite knee-jerk opposition,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.
“We have worked with YouTube to verify these channels, regardless of the number of subscribers, and we will continue to work in close coordination as we strive to push out information that will be helpful to the voters through these reliable channels,” he added.
Under Resolution No. 10730, as amended by Resolution No. 10748, websites and other social media platforms used for the endorsement or candidacy of all registered political parties/coalitions and bona fide candidates must be registered with the poll body.
According to the Comelec, official candidates at the national and local level, as well as party-list groups and political parties, who have submitted their YouTube channels to the poll body now have a verified badge on their accounts.
The Comelec said the verification of the candidates’ accounts also came in time for the start of the Campaign S.A.F.E Comelec e-Rally Channel on Facebook, which grants online airtime to candidates for president, vice president, senator, and party-list groups ranging from three to 10 minutes.
The poll body meanwhile said there will be no power interruptions on election day.
Jimenez said the Comelec has already initiated talks with major power companies and electric cooperatives all over the nation.
The official said the Comelec has put together a “working group” to specifically address the issue of power supply on election day. He said the working group is eyeing critical dates and critical moments so that the proper coordination with power suppliers can be made.
