Comelec orders four Masbate bets to explain alleged use of emergency alert

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued show cause orders to four candidates in Masbate for alleged use of emergency alert for campaigning.

Dated April 11, the Comelec directed gubernatorial candidate Ricardo Kho, vice governor candidate Fernando Talisic, congressional bet Elisa Kho, and mayoralty bet Olga Kho to explain in writing why a complaint for violation of election guidelines should not be filed against them.

They were given five days from receipt to submit their response.

“Otherwise, a request for the removal, takedown, or blocking of the said content or account shall be made to the technology platforms and/or the concerned law enforcement agency, without prejudice to any further legal action in accordance with applicable laws,” wrote Rex Laudiangco, Comelec spokesperson and chairperson of Task Force KKK sa Halalan.

Comelec cited reports on social media that people in Masbate City received an “extreme” emergency alert in early April to vote for the Khos and Talisic.

The poll body classified the incident as “creation and dissemination of fake news,” which was considered “misuse and malicious use of social media, artificial intelligence technology, and internet technology” under its Resolution 11064.

The Comelec said creating and spreading false information may also constitute an election offense.

In April, the Office of Civil Defense slammed the misuse of the Emergency Cell Broadcast System for campaigning, which is “inappropriate” and “dangerous.” 

Under the 2014 Free Mobile Disaster Alert Act, violators shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than two months but not more than six months, and with a fine of not less than P1,000 but not more than P10,000.