THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas is once again partnering with a fact-checking coalition to combat disinformation ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
During its relaunch on Feb. 7, UST sealed a collaboration with Tsek.ph to counter false information with verified facts in anticipation of the upcoming polls.
Tsek.ph is a collaborative fact-checking initiative focused on verifying election-related statements and remarks from candidates, public figures and government departments. It aims to provide the public with corroborated election information across social media and other web-based platforms.
International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter director Angie Holan cited the importance of fact-checkers at a time when political polarization and social media platforms’ supposed “retreat from commitment to truth” are becoming prevalent.
“The increasing sophistication of disinformation requires a coordinated response,” Holan said in her keynote address at the relaunch program.
“The work of Tsek.ph during previous elections demonstrated the vital importance of collaborative fact-checking. [It] showed that when respected institutions join forces, they create a powerful counterweight to disinformation,” she added.
During the 2022 elections, the coalition expanded its alliance after securing partnerships with several academic institutions and media organizations. This year’s initiative secured 24 fact-checking partners from academia, media and civil society.
Aside from Tsek.ph, the University is also collaborating with other election campaign initiatives, including GMA Network’s “Dapat Totoo” and ABS-CBN’s effort to ensure “peaceful, clean and orderly” midterm polls.
This year’s digital campaigns were permitted to use artificial intelligence (AI), provided that the Commission on Elections will implement strict guidelines to curb false information.
Political aspirants, parties and organizations are required to disclose their use of AI and specify if any content is modified using the technology.
Candidates will gun for a total of 18,271 national and local positions during the 2025 midterm elections to be held on May 12. F
