YOUNG VOTERS should be cautious of accepting facts as absolute truths since information taken out of context could easily change the narrative, the chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.
During the seventh installment of the UST Media Leadership Lecture Series, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia urged the youth to analyze news beyond their face value, especially on social media, where journalists are competing with influencers in shaping public opinion.
“Please be very cautious [of] appreciating a fact [and] news as an absolute truth whenever you are encountering these facts, especially on social media. Why is mainstream media trustworthy? Their (mainstream media) level of professionalism and news reporting standards is high. They go through extensive fact-checking and counterchecking before they even come up with the news,” Garcia said on April 3 at the UST Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) building.
“Meanwhile, on social media, what we see is whatever is published. We should not vote or pick candidates simply because they are well-known, popular, an influencer [or] a celebrity,” he added.
The youth, Garcia said, are responsible for fighting election irregularities, such as vote buying. He added that the mainstream media as the “fourth estate” should also empower voters to make informed decisions.
“You need to show that you are in control of your future—not dictated by anyone. Because in the final analysis, nobody will be blamed for our future except yourselves,” the Comelec chief said.
Artlets faculty secretary and political science Asst. Prof. Louie Ignacio echoed the view, saying political awareness is a collaborative effort.
“It’s our responsibility as Thomasians, as students, and as citizens of the country to live our lives not only for ourselves… If you’re not just for yourself… one way or another, you are connected and affected by so many things and so many people around you. If you’re given the chance to be exposed—to see the realities, to know the realities—then let that sink in,” he said.
Ignacio said electoral discussions and debates inside a classroom are useless if they do not touch on facts.
“It’s really important that the information they will find is genuine, factual, and can be verified. Because if your basis is wrong, then your appreciation for that study might change or become falsely interpreted,” he added.
Launched in 2017 by the Office of Public Affairs, this year’s UST Media Leadership Lecture series carried the theme “Our Vote, Our Future” and was held at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the BGPOP building.
Apart from Garcia and Ignacio, other participants of the event were Manila Bulletin publisher Herminio Coloma, Jr., GMA Integrated News senior reporter and The Flame alumna Sandra Aguinaldo, ABS-CBN News senior reporter Victoria Tulad, News5 digital growth editor John Reczon Calay and student council officers Elizabeth Sanchez Alejandro and Ramon Ellis Francisco. F
