AN official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to create a task force that will combat fake news and stop the spread of false information on the coming general elections.
In an online media forum, Commissioner George Garcia said he is set to propose to the Commission en Banc the creation of a task force against fake news and set the record straight against claims that undermine the integrity of the elections.
“I will personally convince the Commission en Banc next week to create a task force against fake news,” Garcia said, adding among the false news that have to be addressed include claims that the election is already over, that ballots have been shaded, and votes have been cast.
“Anything that would undermine the integrity of the electoral process, we need to do something about it,” said Garcia.
Earlier, the Comelec entered into an agreement with digital news firm Rappler for voter engagement and fighting disinformation in connection with the May 9 polls.
The pact, however, was indefinitely suspended by the Comelec after the Office of the Solicitor General filed before the Supreme Court a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with Prayer for a Temporary Restraining Order/Writ of Preliminary Injunction against the Commission and Rappler.
Last week, the Comelec formally created a task force on vote buying, with Commissioner Aimee Ferolino tapped as chairperson.
Aside from the Comelec, other members of the task force include Department of Justice, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
