Comelec creates task force to fight disinformation ahead of Eleksyon 2022

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday formally announced the creation of a task force to combat disinformation ahead of the May 9 polls.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the Task Force Kontra Fake News was formed to counter any attempt to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. 

“Any misinformation directed against the integrity (of Comelec) we will go after them. We will file a case against them. We will utilize the full force of the law,” Garcia said at a press briefing.

The commissioner clarified that the task force will not go after individuals who criticize or oppose the Comelec.

He added that the task force will not cover fake news about candidates.

“As far as fake news against the candidates...They can properly defend themselves,” Garcia said.

The poll body earlier launched a task force that seeks to prevent vote-buying during the election season.

Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino was put in charge of Task Force Kontra Bigay, which also includes the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Information Agency.  — VBL, GMA News