The Makabayan Coalition officially requested a dialogue with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) through a letter yesterday, October 30, to express its concerns over Resolution 11064 issued by the commission in September. The resolution outlines guidelines on the use of social media, artificial intelligence, and the internet in campaigning to supposedly prohibit disinformation and misinformation in the 2025 elections.

According to the guidelines, all candidates, parties, and their campaign managers are required to register their official social media accounts, websites, and other online platforms by December 13. This is allegedly to prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation during the elections. The Task Force sa Katotohanan, Katapatan, at Katarungan (Truth, Transparency, and Justice) (KKK) in Elections will lead the implementation of the guidelines.

Makabayan wants clarification from the Comelec on the new guidelines. “In particular, these concerns pertain to the overbroad scope of the guidelines, vagueness of some provisions, as well as the mandatory registration of social media accounts, websites, [etc.], and the free speech and privacy implications of such registration,” the coalition said in its letter.

Reyna Valmores, one of the coalition’s spokepersons, stated, “It is essential to combat fake news and misinformation, but it must be done in a way that does not result in implications for freedom of expression, privacy, and effective campaigning.”

In the dialogue, Makabayan will discuss these issues, share their opinions on the implementation of the resolution, and propose solutions to the problems. The coalition requested that the dialogue be held on November 4.