Comelec forms task force to combat fake news

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has formed Task Force Kontra Fake News to address the spread of misinformation concerning the election.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia stated that the task force will pursue individuals attempting to undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

Garcia emphasized that they will use the full force of the law, including the combined forces of the PNP and the NBI-Cybercrime division, to apprehend those spreading fake news.

However, the task force will not pursue individuals who criticize or oppose the Comelec, nor those who spread misinformation against politicians.

Commissioner George Garcia will head the new task force, with Commissioner Aimee T. Neri serving as vice-chair.

Previously, Garcia had already stated that those responsible for disseminating false information would be prosecuted and debunked specific fabricated reports about election results and pre-shaded ballots.