With the increasing use of social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and internet technology in election campaigns, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has taken a firm step forward with Resolution No. 11064.
Promulgated on September 17, 2024, this resolution outlines the official guidelines for how these digital tools can and cannot be used during the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.
It aims to promote honest, ethical, and transparent campaigning while protecting the public from misinformation and manipulation online.
Purpose of COMELEC Resolution No. 11064
COMELEC issued this resolution to:
- Regulate how candidates, political parties, and campaign teams use social media and online platforms
- Address the risks of disinformation, deepfakes, AI-generated content, and foreign interference
- Ensure that digital election campaigning remains fair and accountable
- Extend existing campaign regulations into the digital space
In short, this resolution brings election laws in line with the realities of our hyper-connected, AI-assisted world.
Who Must Comply With This Resolution?
Resolution No. 11064 applies to:
- All candidates running for national, local, or BARMM parliamentary seats
- Political parties and party-list organizations
- Campaign teams and public relations firms
- Social media influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and content creators paid to promote political content
- Technology providers involved in campaign-related services (e.g., ad placement, content automation)
If you’re using digital platforms in any part of a campaign, this resolution applies to you.
Key Provisions of Resolution 11064
COMELEC classifies these new digital campaign guidelines under several key areas:
1. Registration of Online Accounts and Platforms
All candidates and political parties must:
- Submit a list of their official websites, social media pages, and digital platforms to COMELEC
- Include any third-party accounts managed by campaign staff or agencies
- Update the list if new accounts are created during the campaign period
This ensures that voters know which accounts are authentic and traceable.
2. Transparency in Sponsored Content and Paid Ads
Paid political ads and sponsored content—whether on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms—must:
- Be properly disclosed as paid
- Include the name of the sponsor or campaign entity
- Be counted toward the campaign’s official spending limit
Failure to disclose paid content is considered an election offense and may lead to disqualification or legal action.
This rule applies to influencers as well. Content creators who are paid to promote a candidate must register with COMELEC and declare any partnerships or compensation received.
3. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Campaigns
Resolution 11064 recognizes the growing use of AI tools in modern campaigning, including:
- Chatbots and automated replies
- AI-generated text, images, or video (deepfakes)
- Micro-targeted ad placement using machine learning
These tools are not banned, but their use must follow strict guidelines:
- AI-generated content must include a disclaimer or label
- Deepfakes that mimic real people or distort facts are prohibited
- Candidates are accountable for any misleading or malicious AI content released on their behalf
These rules align with international best practices aimed at curbing election interference and manipulation.
4. Prohibited Acts in Digital Campaigns
The resolution clearly prohibits the following:
- Spreading false information about candidates, voters, or election processes
- Coordinated disinformation campaigns using fake accounts or bots
- Use of deepfakes or manipulated media without disclosure
- Harassment, doxxing, or threatening behavior online
COMELEC can issue takedown requests, suspend violators from participating in the campaign, and recommend criminal prosecution.
5. Monitoring and Enforcement
To implement this resolution, COMELEC is working with:
- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
- Social media platforms and local fact-checking networks
- Citizen arms and watchdog groups such as PPCRV and VoteReportPH
COMELEC may also invite tech experts to audit digital campaign data and identify possible violations in real time.
If you witness digital violations during the campaign period, here’s how to Report Election Violations.
Why This Resolution Matters in 2025
In recent elections, the rise of troll farms, fake news, and manipulated media has affected voter trust.
By creating clear rules around AI and social media, Resolution No. 11064 seeks to:
- Protect the public from digital deception
- Create a level playing field among candidates
- Prevent abuse of online platforms to spread lies or distort election results
It sends a strong message that free speech must be responsible—especially during elections.
Penalties for Violations
Violators of Resolution No. 11064 may face:
- Criminal charges under the Omnibus Election Code
- Disqualification from public office
- Fines and takedown orders for unauthorized or harmful content
- Legal liability for influencers and agencies that fail to register or disclose paid content
COMELEC also retains the authority to suspend or remove campaign privileges from repeat violators.
Where to Download the Full Text
The complete copy of COMELEC Resolution No. 11064 is available for download here.
Candidates, content creators, and digital consultants are strongly advised to read the resolution in full before engaging in any campaign activity online.
Conclusion
COMELEC Resolution No. 11064 marks a turning point in Philippine elections. It recognizes that the digital world is now a major election battleground, and sets the standards to protect the process from abuse.
As voters, campaigners, and citizens, we must help uphold these guidelines—because a fair election doesn’t just happen at the precinct. It begins online.