IT was a frustrated vice president that came to Dagupan City last week but not without pointers on how the election campaign should proceed and how one should consider to vote for candidates.

From being dirty, the political campaign in the country has become dirtier because of social media, according to Vice President Leni Robredo who was at the  University of Luzon on March 20 for the Kaya Natin! Caravan on Good Governance.

 “I think, social media has been abused in a very negative way,” she told newsmen.

She cited how the traditional media was made to account for their news in the past.

“Hindi kayo puwedeng magsabi ng kasinungalingan, kailangan iyong sasabihin niyo, masusi munang pag-aaral na pinagdaanan para i-verify iyong sources” she said.

 “But in social media, there’s none of that, because anyone, anyone can post anonymously. So there’s really no accountability,” she added,

She pointed out that in the 2016 elections, in social media many reputations were destroyed needlessly and without basis and warned that “if we do nothing, this will keep on getting worse.”

Robredo suggested that Congress passes a law that will regulate and control postings on social media. “If anybody can post anonymously, many will be victimized who don’t deserve to be maligned,” she said as she recounted how she was victimized with lies.

Then Robredo said people should take the elections seriously and simply vote for popular candidates. “Only those who are moneyed have an undue advantage to promote themselves,” she intoned.

“Those who have many qualifications, worthier but lack resources, and not known will be at a disadvantage,” she added which is why she said going out of her way to pitch for candidates whom she believes will do good for the country.

Robredo stressed the importance of having competent people in the senate because of important issues to be decided in the next three years, like the shift to federalism, constitutional amendment, re-imposition of death penalty, lowering of minimum age of criminal liability, among others.

“It is important to have competence to ensure a healthy debate,” she said and warned against voting candidates  because of political affiliations.“ if that is so, the pros and cons of a proposal will no longer be discussed.

She lamented that “election laws lack teeth to level the playing field” citing inability of Comelec to charge violators and make them accountable. She batted for the amendment of election laws. (PhilStar Wire Service)

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