⚡ In Brief
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Philippine midterm elections will be held on May 12, 2025, covering over 18,000 positions, including 12 Senate seats.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to predict outcomes, target voters, and shape campaign strategies.
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COMELEC implemented Resolution No. 11064 to regulate AI and social media use in campaigns.
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The resolution bans deepfakes, requires disclosure of AI-generated content, and mandates platform registration.
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COMELEC formed Task Force KKK to monitor and enforce compliance.
📊 Digital Democracy: The Role of AI in the Philippines’ 2025 Elections
As the Philippines approaches its 2025 midterm elections on May 12, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the electoral process has become a focal point of innovation and concern.
With over 18,000 positions up for grabs, including 12 Senate seats and numerous local government roles, AI’s role in predicting election outcomes and shaping campaign strategies is under scrutiny.
AI’s Role in Predicting Election Outcomes
AI technologies are increasingly being utilized to analyze vast datasets, including historical voting patterns, demographic information, and social media sentiment, to forecast potential election results.
These predictive models can help campaigns identify swing regions and tailor their strategies accordingly. However, such predictions’ accuracy depends on the quality and representativeness.
🛡️ COMELEC’s Tough Stance on AI and Disinformation
To control digital chaos, COMELEC enacted Resolution No. 11064 on September 26, 2024.
Here’s what it mandates:
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Mandatory Disclosure: All AI-generated campaign content must be clearly labeled.
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Deepfake Ban: Use of AI-generated misinformation or manipulated audio/video is strictly prohibited.
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Platform Registration: Every campaign-related digital platform must be registered with COMELEC.
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Task Force KKK: The Katotohanan, Katapatan at Katarungan (Truth, Integrity, and Justice) team will monitor violations.
“Artificial intelligence has no place in deceiving the public. COMELEC will not allow digital tools to erode electoral credibility.”
— George Erwin Garcia, COMELEC Chairman
🧠 Empowering Voters: Combating AI Misinformation Through Digital Literacy
The threat of deepfakes and misinformation grows as AI becomes more embedded in political campaigns. In response, COMELEC is prioritizing voter education to help citizens identify credible information and resist manipulation.
“Within the realm of elections, the essence of nation-building lies in voter education and the aggressive combatting of misinformation and disinformation. It’s not just about casting a vote; it’s about making informed decisions for our collective future.”
— George Erwin Garcia, COMELEC Chairman
This digital literacy push aims to equip voters to confidently navigate AI-influenced content and protect the integrity of the 2025 elections.
🚨 The Dangerous Edge: How AI Can Undermine Democracy
Despite the potential benefits, AI brings serious threats:
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Deepfakes: Hyper-realistic fake videos can confuse or manipulate voters.
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Microtargeting: Voters may be profiled and bombarded with emotionally charged ads, raising privacy concerns.
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Algorithmic Bias: Unchecked AI tools could reinforce political bias, limiting fair representation.
To mitigate these risks, COMELEC’s guidelines emphasize transparency, accountability, and the ethical use of AI technologies.
🗳️ Looking Ahead
The 2025 elections in the Philippines represent a critical juncture in integrating AI into democratic processes. With robust guidelines in place, the focus now shifts to effective enforcement and public awareness.
As AI evolves, ongoing dialogue among stakeholders—including government agencies, political entities, technology providers, and civil society—is essential to ensure that technological advancements strengthen, rather than undermine, democratic institutions.
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9th May 2025:
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