EDITORIAL - Social media vs ‘3 Gs’

Taking a cue from candidates themselves, who are using social media to reach out to voters, the Commission on Elections is tapping cyber social networking to go after violators of campaign rules and those resorting to the so-called “3 Gs” – guns, goons and gold – to get an edge over rivals. The public is encouraged to report violations and send pictures to Twitter account @comelec and the website mycomelec.tv.

With enough resources and public cooperation, the campaign could work. Comelec officials promise to be fair in assessing complaints and avoid accusations that anyone is being singled out in a witch-hunt. The campaign will include violations of rules on campaign propaganda, including the display of posters and streamers outside Comelec-designated common areas, with moneyed candidates seen as the blatant violators.

A special Comelec team has been formed to assess the reports, but the poll body obviously will have its hands full and will need to tap outside help. Public cooperation is essential. Initial public interest can be sustained if the Comelec acts on early complaints and shows that reporting possible violations produces results. Swift action is needed especially in cases involving poll-related violence and the use of armed goons for harassment.

Major political parties and prominent individual candidates may want to set the example by complying with campaign rules. Candidates belonging to major parties are mostly already well known and do not need to violate election rules to ensure name recall among voters.

The administration should also do its part by ensuring that state forces and resources will be ready to support the Comelec initiative. Many armed goons of politicians are members of the police, military and militias. President Aquino should instruct security officials to give full support to the Comelec campaign. For the administration of daang matuwid or straight path, good governance should start with an honest campaign and clean, peaceful elections.