Social media videos, materials may be part of campaign cost, says Comelec

While reiterating its stand that it will not regulate social media activity, the Commission on Elections nonetheless said it will take a close look at the cost of campaign materials being posted online as it could be part of candidates' total expenditure.

"Bagamat ang social media ay free, baka naman yung mga materyal na ina-upload, mahal ang pagkakagawa. Yung production cost ng video maaaring tingnan yun ng Comelec dahil pwedeng isama sa SOCE (Statement of Contributions and Expenditure)," said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez in a press briefing on Tuesday.

According to Jimenez, all expenses candidates incur should be reported in their respective SOCEs.

He added that while the poll body will not be regulating on the social space, Comelec will still look closely at what could be the "social media elections."

"We are monitoring, we are watching how it develops," said Jimenez.

He noted that since 2013, the Comelec's stand has been that social media accounts are personal spaces.

However, people such as civil service members who are barred from partisan political activity would still need to abide by this guideline even on their social media accounts. —JST, GMA News