Comelec warns those misusing ECBS could face raps
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) yesterday condemned the misuse of the Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) for political campaigning, labeling it not only inappropriate but also hazardous.
In a statement, the OCD underscored that the ECBS is intended solely for delivering life-saving alerts during emergencies, such as earthquakes, typhoons, or other imminent public safety threats.
The agency warned that using the system for political purposes undermines its vital function and could desensitize the public to legitimate emergency warnings, putting lives at risk.
For its part, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned that use of the ECBS for purposes other than real emergencies can potentially impede on the delivery of life-saving assistance should a disaster strike.
“Those emergency devices should be used only in times of calamity or disaster. That means they [candidates] can end up interfering [with the operations] of agencies whose job it is to rescue people from floods, earthquakes, or even fires,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said in Filipino.
“So, I hope they [candidates] understand that they are endangering the lives of our citizens,” he added.
Reports have emerged from several provinces, where residents allegedly received ECBS alerts encouraging them to vote for specific candidates.
“These messages, designed to mimic urgent emergency notifications, create confusion and may lead to complacency during real crises,” the OCD said.
The agency stated that telecommunications providers Globe Telecom and Smart Communications have confirmed they do not use the ECBS for non-emergency purposes.
The OCD added that it has reported the issue to the National Telecommunications Commission and is collaborating with the appropriate agencies to identify those responsible.
“The misuse of this system for political gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” it said.
The OCD urged the public to remain vigilant and report any further misuse of the ECBS.
“Together, we can protect the integrity of our emergency alert systems and ensure they serve their intended purpose — keeping the public safe,” the OCD said.
The Comelec chief also disclosed that the poll body has reported to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) certain candidates who use text blasting in their political campaigns.
The poll chief pointed out that while such text blasts do not violate the election code, they may not be permissible under the country’s telecommunications laws.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) urged candidates to be more sympathetic to solo parents instead of poking fun at them.
At a news forum in Quezon City, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that public servants have a responsibility to set a respectful tone, especially when addressing marginalized groups, such as solo parents.
“This isn’t about who can deliver the best punchline. It’s about who can deliver the best solutions,” he said in Filipino.
He was reacting to the viral video of Pasig City congressional bet Christian Sia making a tasteless joke about having sex with lonely single mothers during a campaign sortie weeks ahead of Election Day.
The candidate eventually issued a public apology on Friday.
“In this particular case, he has apologized. We leave it at that. Perfect timing since Election Day is coming, so let the voters of Pasig decide if that apology is enough,” Gatchalian said.
However, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas was not as willing to let the crude and tasteless remarks of politicians go.
She said that Gabriela has submitted a letter to the Comelec urging it to take immediate and decisive action against Sia despite his apology.
Furthermore, Brosas strongly condemned the sexist and discriminatory remarks of Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia, a reelectionist, who, in a viral video, claimed that only “beautiful women” should become nurses since the “ugly” ones might worsen a patient’s condition.
“This is a gross display of misogyny and discrimination. This is a direct disrespect not only on nurses but on all women,” she said.
“Being a nurse is based on one’s capability, knowledge and concern, and not based on one’s looks. It is not the physical appearance of the nurses where the problem lies but the health system, the ugly side of management and the neglect of the government on the health of the public,” she added.