ON Tuesday, Commission on Elections chairman George Erwin M. Garcia stated his plans to update the rules for social media campaigning for the upcoming 2025 election. 

To guard against false information, the Comelec insisted that parties and candidates register official campaign accounts.

Garcia said private citizens should be allowed to express their views online without any necessary restrictions.  

This updated plan aims to strike a balance between transparency and free expression.  

Last month, Comelec released Resolution No. 11064, mandating all candidates, political parties, and their campaign managers to register their digital platforms and websites that will be used for virtual campaigns. 

Additionally, in the resolution stated that “those created, or managed by any person or entity, other than the candidates or parties themselves, that are primarily designed or primarily used to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates” must also register their accounts with Comelec’s Education and Information Department. 

Garcia acknowledged that this rule can unintentionally violate the freedom of speech and expression of citizens.

In response to this, he is to suggest to the Comelec en banc to contemplate removing provisions that can impact the citizen’s rights in terms of freely discussing election-related matters. 

Following its discussion with the poll commission, the Makabayan Coalition also assured the media that it will release clear recommendations against red-tagging during elections. 

Makabayan spokesperson Reyna Valmores Salinas stated that the new anti-red-tagging guidelines will have a “significant victory for democratic rights and electoral reform,” signifying the Comelec’s first direct response to red-tagging.

Furthermore, Makabayan noted that Comelec’s decision is consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in the Deduro v. Vinoya case. This case found that red-tagging violates the right of a person to life, liberty, and security.