ASIDE from the traditional media entities, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) advised on Friday, April 5, paid social media influencers as well as other entities providing internet-related services to candidates in the May 13 polls to submit reports on political advertisements.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10518, the commission clarified that expenditures of candidates made through various social media platforms must also be reported.

“Social media associates, including paid digital influencers, who use social media platforms to promote or to defeat the election of any candidate, are considered individual contractors, who are subject to reportorial requirements,” said the Comelec.

“Internet companies, which a candidate or party utilize to directly reach out to voters and mobilize support through the use of ads, paid promoted hashtags or trends, includes social media companies, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, among others,” it added.

The poll body said the clarification is being made after it received numerous queries.

Queries, it related, were primarily concerned on how the reportorial requirements will apply to contractors, firms, and companies providing internet-related and social media platform services.

The Comelec said internet-based companies must submit the reports to the former’s Campaign Finance Office as well as copies of contracts for advertising and promotion of candidates.

The report should contain name of candidate or party in the advertisement; name of the person or advertising agency who paid the advertisement; page name/account name/handle where the ad was posted or uploaded; particulars of the political advertisements; and amount or cost of advertisement. (HDT/ SunStar Philippines)