THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS En Banc Manila
Thru: The Secretary of the Commission
comsec@comelec.gov.ph
Greetings:
An old episode of TV 5 program, FRONTLINE, has suddenly resurfaced is now going viral online via Tiktok with very misleading information or wrong advisory regarding the requirements for voters in the May 9, 2022 elections. (Please see attached copy of said video). The said program advises the viewers, among others, that voters cannot vote if they are not fully vaccinated; that those voters who are unvaccinated are required to present their latest RT-PCR test with negative results; and that they are required to wear face shield. Apparently, this is not an updated video but it is now causing confusion among the voters.
In this connection, it is urgently requested of the Honorable Commission that: (a) TIKTOK PHILIPPINES be immediately advised to take down or take such necessary action to stop the online showing of said episode of FRONTLINE program; (b) while I believe that TV5 is not responsible for the circulation of said video, it is also requested that TV5 management be reqested to immediately issue a clarification and advisory that the said episode is not updated; and issue (c) such other directives to all concerned parties to avoid further confusion among the voters brought about by said viral online wrong information or advisory.
The Commission may also advise the public that under Section 15(z)(11) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), an election offense is committed by, “any person who, for the purpose of causing confusion among the voters, propagates false and alarming reports or information regarding any matter relating to….the general conduct of the election”, which carries a penalty of one to six years imprisonment, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and deprivation of right of suffrage under Section 264 of the OEC.
Yours for a clean and honest election.
Very truly yours,
ATTY. ROMULO B. MACALINTAL
Election Lawyer
